bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-driven analysis of motor activity implicates 5-HT2A neurons in backward locomotion of larvalDrosophila
Authors: Park Jeonghyuk , Kondo Shu , Tanimoto Hiromu , Kohsaka Hiroshi , Nose Akinao
Published: February 2018

Rhythmic animal behaviors are regulated in part by neural circuits called the central pattern generators (CPGs). Classifying neural population activities correlated with body movements and identifying the associated component neurons are critical steps in understanding CPGs. Previous methods that classify neural dynamics obtained by dimension reduction algorithms often require manual optimization which could be laborious and preparation-specific. Here, we present a simpler and more flexible method that is based on the pre-trained convolutional neural network model VGG-16 and unsupervised learning, and successfully classifies the fictive motor patterns inDrosophilalarvae under various imaging conditions. We also used voxel-wise correlation mapping to identify neurons associated with motor patterns. By applying these methods to neurons targeted by5-HT2A-GAL4, which we generated by the CRISPR/Cas9-system, we identified two classes of interneurons, termed Seta and Leta, which are specifically active during backward but not forward fictive locomotion. Optogenetic activation of Seta and Leta neurons increased backward locomotion. Conversely, thermogenetic inhibition of5-HT2A-GAL4neurons or application of a 5-HT2 antagonist decreased backward locomotion induced by noxious light stimuli. This study establishes an accelerated pipeline for activity profiling and cell identification in larvalDrosophilaand implicates the serotonergic system in the modulation of backward locomotion.
Genetic basis of transgressive segregation in rice heading phenotypes
Authors: Koide Yohei , Uchiyama Takashi , Ota Yuya , Sakaguchi Shuntaro , Tezuka Ayumi , Nagano Atsushi J. , Ishiguro Seiya , Takamure Itsuro , Kishima Yuji
Published: February 2018

Transgressive segregation produces hybrid progeny phenotypes that exceed parental phenotypes. Unlike heterosis, extreme phenotypes caused by transgressive segregation are heritably stable. We examined transgressive phenotypes of flowering time in rice. Our previous study examined days to flowering (heading; DTH) in six F2 populations for which the parents had distal DTH, and found very few transgressive phenotypes. Here, we demonstrate that transgressive segregation in F2 populations occurred between parents with proximal DTH. DTH phenotypes of the A58 × Kitaake F2 progenies frequently exceeded those of both parents. Both A58 and Kitaake arejaponicarice cultivars adapted to Hokkaido, Japan, which is a high-latitude region, and have short DTH. Among the four known loci required for short DTH, three loci had common alleles in A58 and Kitaake, and only the one locus had different alleles. This result indicates that there is a similar genetic basis for DTH between the two varieties. We identified five new quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with transgressive DTH phenotypes by genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. Each of these QTLs showed different degrees of additive effects on DTH, and two QTLs had epistatic effect on each other. These results demonstrated that genome-wide SNP analysis facilitated detection of genetic loci associated with the extreme phenotypes and revealed that the transgressive phenotypes were produced by exchanging complementary alleles of a few minor QTLs in the similar parental genotypes.
Genomic prediction accounting for genotype by environment interaction offers an effective framework for breeding simultaneously for adaptation to an abiotic stress and performance under normal cropping conditions in rice
Authors: Ben Hassen M , Bartholomé J , Valè G , Cao TV , Ahmadi N
Published: February 2018

Developing rice varieties adapted to alternate wetting and drying water management is crucial for the sustainability of irrigated rice cropping systems. Here we report the first study exploring the feasibility of breeding rice for adaptation to alternate wetting and drying using genomic prediction methods that account for genotype by environment interactions. Two breeding populations (a reference panel of 284 accessions and a progeny population of 97 advanced lines) were evaluated under alternate wetting and drying and continuous flooding management systems. The accuracy of genomic prediction for response variables (index of relative performance and the slope of the joint regression) and for multi-environment genomic prediction models were compared. For the three traits considered (days to flowering, panicle weight and nitrogen-balance index), significant genotype by environment interactions were observed in both populations. In cross validation, prediction accuracy for the index was on average lower (0.31) than that of the slope of the joint regression (0.64) whatever the trait considered. Similar results were found for across population validation (progeny validation). Both cross-validation and progeny validation experiments showed that the performance of multi-environment models predicting unobserved phenotypes of untested entrees was similar to the performance of single environment models with differences in accuracy ranging from - 6% to 4% depending on the trait and on the statistical model concerned. The accuracy of multi-environment models predicting unobserved phenotypes of entrees evaluated under both water management systems outperformed single environment models by an average of 30%. Practical implications for breeding rice for adaptation to AWD are discussed.
A distributed brain network predicts general intelligence from resting-state human neuroimaging data
Authors: Dubois Julien , Galdi Paola , Paul Lynn K. , Adolphs Ralph
Published: February 2018

Individual people differ in their ability to reason, solve problems, think abstractly, plan and learn. A reliable measure of this general ability, also known as intelligence, can be derived from scores across a diverse set of cognitive tasks. There is great interest in understanding the neural underpinnings of individual differences in intelligence, since it is the single best predictor of longterm life success. The most replicated neural correlate of human intelligence to date is total brain volume; however, this coarse morphometric correlate says little about function. Here we ask whether measurements of the activity of the resting brain (resting-state fMRI) might also carry information about intelligence. We used the final release of the Young Adult Human Connectome Project (N=884 subjects after exclusions), providing a full hour of resting-state fMRI per subject; controlled for gender, age, and brain volume; and derived a reliable estimate of general intelligence from scores on multiple cognitive tasks. Using a cross-validated predictive framework, we predicted 20% of the variance in general intelligence in the sampled population from their resting-state connectivity matrices. Interestingly, no single anatomical structure or network was responsible or necessary for this prediction, which instead relied on redundant information distributed across the brain.
Functional wiring of the human medial temporal lobe
Authors: Solomon E. A. , Stein J. M. , Das S. , Gorniak R. , Sperling M. R. , Worrell G. , Inman C. , Lega B. , Jobst B. C. , Rizzuto D. S. , Kahana M. J.
Published: February 2018

The medial temporal lobe (MTL) is a locus of episodic memory in the human brain. It is comprised of cytologically distinct subregions that, in concert, give rise to successful encoding and retrieval of context-dependent memories. However, the functional connections between these subregions are poorly understood. To determine functional connectivity among MTL subregions, we had 126 subjects fitted with indwelling electrodes perform a verbal memory task, and asked how encoding or retrieval correlated with interregional synchronization. Using phase-based measures of connectivity, we found that synchronous theta (4-8 Hz) activity underlies successful episodic memory, whereas high-frequencies exhibit desynchronization. Moreover, theta functional connectivity during encoding aligned with key anatomic connections, including critical links between the entorhinal cortex, dentate gyrus, and CA1 of the hippocampus. Retrieval-associated networks demonstrated enhanced involvement of the subiculum, reflecting a substantial reorganization of the encoding-associated network. We posit that coherent theta activity within the MTL marks periods of successful memory, but distinct patterns of connectivity dissociate key stages of memory processing.

Significance Statement

The brain functions through the interaction of its distinct parts, but little is known about how such connectivity dynamics relate to learning and memory. We used a large dataset of 126 human subjects with intracranial electrodes to assess patterns of electrical connectivity within the medial temporal lobe – a key region for memory processing – as they performed a memory task. We discovered that unique networks of time-varying, low-frequency interactions correlate with memory encoding and retrieval, specifically in the theta band. Simultaneously, we observed elevated spectral power at high frequencies in these same regions. The result is a complete map of physiological dynamics within the MTL, highlighting how a reorganization of theta networks support distinct memory operations.
Conserved noncoding elements influence the transposable element landscape inDrosophila
Authors: Manee Manee M. , Jackson John , Bergman Casey M.
Published: February 2018

Highly conserved noncoding elements (CNEs) comprise a significant proportion of the genomes of multicellular eukaryotes. The function of most CNEs remains elusive, but growing evidence indicates they are under some form of purifying selection. Noncoding regions in many species also harbor large numbers of transposable element (TE) insertions, which are typically lineage specific and depleted in exons because of their deleterious effects on gene function or expression. However, it is currently unknown whether the landscape of TE insertions in noncoding regions is random or influenced by purifying selection on CNEs. Here we combine comparative and population genomic data inDrosophila melanogasterto show that abundance of TE insertions in intronic and intergenic CNEs is reduced relative to random expectation, supporting the idea that selective constraints on CNEs eliminate a proportion of TE insertions in noncoding regions. However, we find no difference in the allele frequency spectra for polymorphic TE insertions in CNEs versus those in unconstrained spacer regions, suggesting that the distribution of fitness effects acting on observable TE insertions is similar across different functional compartments in noncoding DNA. Our results provide evidence that selective constraints on CNEs contribute to shaping the landscape of TE insertion in eukaryotic genomes, and provide further evidence supporting the conclusion that CNEs are indeed functionally constrained and not simply mutational cold spots.
Comprehensive antibiotic-linked mutation assessment by Resistance Mutation Sequencing (RM-seq)
Authors: Guérillot Romain , Li Lucy , Baines Sarah , Howden Brian O. , Schultz Mark B. , Seemann Torsten , Monk Ian , Pidot Sacha J. , Gao Wei , Giulieri Stefano , da Silva Anders Gonçalves , D’Agata Anthony , Tomita Takehiro , Peleg Anton Y. , Stinear Timothy P. , Howden Benjamin P.
Published: February 2018

Acquired mutations are a major mechanism of bacterial antibiotic resistance generation and dissemination, and can arise during treatment of infections. Early detection of sub-populations of resistant bacteria harbouring defined resistance mutations could prevent inappropriate antibiotic prescription. Here we present RM-seq, a new amplicon-based DNA sequencing workflow based on single molecule barcoding coupled with deep-sequencing that enables the high-throughput characterisation and sensitive detection of resistance mutations from complex mixed populations of bacteria. We show that RM-seq reduces both background sequencing noise and PCR amplification bias and allows highly sensitive identification and accurate quantification of antibiotic resistant sub-populations, with relative allele frequencies as low as 10-4. We applied RM-seq to identify and quantify rifampicin resistance mutations inStaphylococcus aureususing pools of 10,000in vitroselected clones and identified a large number of previously unknown resistance-associated mutations. Targeted mutagenesis and phenotypic resistance testing was used to validate the technique and demonstrate that RM-seq can be used to link subsets of mutations with clinical resistance breakpoints at high-throughput using large pools ofin vitroselected resistant clones. Differential analysis of the abundance of resistance mutations after a selection bottleneck detected antimicrobial cross-resistance and collateral sensitivity-conferring mutations. Using a mouse infection model and human clinical samples, we also demonstrate that RM-seq can be effectively appliedin vivoto track complex mixed populations ofS. aureusand another major human pathogen,Mycobacterium tuberculosisduring infections. RM-seq is a powerful new tool to both detect and functionally characterise mutational antibiotic resistance.
Genetic Interaction Screens in Schizosaccharomyces pombe Using the Pombe Epistasis Mapper (PEM) System and a Manual Colony Replicator
Authors: Colson Isabelle , Hartsuiker Edgar
Published: February 2018

In laboratories in which a colony-replicating robot is not available, manual replication provides a good, low-cost alternative for genetic interaction screening using the Pombe Epistasis Mapper (PEM) system. The protocol presented here describes the minimum number of steps required to identify genetic interactions. First, a query deletion is introduced to a library of deletion mutants by mating. Through a series of subsequent selection steps, single and double mutants are isolated and analyzed.
Genetic Interaction Mapping in Schizosaccharomyces pombe Using the Pombe Epistasis Mapper (PEM) System and a ROTOR HDA Colony Replicating Robot in a 1536 Array Format
Authors: Roguev Assen , Xu Jiewei , Krogan Nevan
Published: February 2018

This protocol describes an optimized high-throughput procedure for generating double deletion mutants in Schizosaccharomyces pombe using the colony replicating robot ROTOR HDA and the PEM (pombe epistasis mapper) system. The method is based on generating high-density colony arrays (1536 colonies per agar plate) and passaging them through a series of antidiploid and mating-type selection (ADS-MTS) and double-mutant selection (DMS) steps. Detailed program parameters for each individual replication step are provided. Using this procedure, batches of 25 or more screens can be routinely performed.
Crystal structure of bromido(η6-1-isopropyl-4-methylbenzene)(7-oxocyclohepta-1,3,5-trien-1-olato-κ2O,O′)osmium
Authors: Clayton Hadley S. , Tapala Kgaugelo C. , Lemmerer Andreas
Published: February 2018

In the title compound, [OsBr(C10H14)(C7H5O2)], the central OsIIion is ligated by a hexahaptic η6p-cymene ring, a Br−ligand and two O atoms of a chelating tropolonate group. Thep-cymene ligand presents more than one conformation, giving rise to a discrete disorder, which was modelled with two different orientations with occupancy values of 0.561 (15) and 0.439 (15). The crystal packing features C—H...O and C—H...Br hydrogen bonding. Aromatic π–π stacking interactions are also observed between adjacent non-benzenoid aromatic tropolone rings.
Crystal structure ofN,N′-dibenzyl-3,3′-dimethoxybenzidine
Authors: Im Hansu , Kim Jineun , Sim Changeun , Kim Tae Ho
Published: February 2018

The title compound, (systematic name:N,N′-dibenzyl-3,3′-dimethoxy-1,1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine), C28H28N2O2, was synthesized by the reduction of a Schiff base preparedviaa condensation reaction betweeno-dianisidine and benzaldehyde under acidic conditions. The molecule lies on a crystallographic inversion centre so that the asymmetric unit contains one half-molecule. The biphenyl moiety compound is essentially planar. Two intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds occur. The dihedral angle between the terminal phenyl and phenylene rings of a benzidine unit is 48.68 (6)°. The methylene C atom of the benzyl group is disordered over two sets of sites, with occupancy ratio 0.779 (18):0.221 (18). In the crystal, molecules are connected by hydrogen bonding betweeno-dianisidine O atoms and H atoms of the terminal benzyl groups, forming a one-dimensional ladder-like structure. In the data from DFT calculations, the central biphenyl showed a twisted conformation.
Health and human development in Kenya
Authors: Wekullo Caroline Sabina , Davis Elise Catherine , Nafukho Fredrick Muyia , Kash Bita A.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to critically analyze the empirical literature on health and human development in high-, middle- and low-income countries to develop a sustainable model for investing in human health. The model is critical in building a comprehensive health-care system that fosters the stakeholders’ financial stability, economic growth and high-quality education for the local community.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review was carried out on health, human development and sustainable health investment. After thoroughly examining theoretical frameworks underlying the strategies of successful human health systems, a summary of empirical articles is created. Summaries provided in this paper represent relevant health-care strategies for Kenya.

Findings

Based on the empirical review of literature, a Nexus Health Care model focusing on human development, social and cultural development, economic development and environmental development in high-, middle- and low-income countries is proposed. The goal of this model is to enhance sustainable development where wealth creation is accompanied with environmental uplifting and protection of social and material well-being.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to a comprehensive literature review presenting empirical evidence of human development and sustainability.

Originality/value

Kenya like other developing nations aspires to contribute significantly in improving health through development of health products but the approaches used have been limiting. In most cases, the use of Western theories, lack of empowering the community and dependence on donor support have hindered the country from achieving comprehensive health and human development. This papers seeks to develop a model for health-care investment and provide strategies, operations and structure of successful health systems and human development for a developing country, such as Kenya.
The role of supervisor support on employees’ training and job performance: an empirical study
Authors: Park Sunyoung , Kang Hye-Seung (Theresa) , Kim Eun-Jee
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among supervisor support, awareness of employees’ developmental needs, motivation to learn, training readiness, motivation to transfer and job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 216 responses from educational organizations in the USA were analyzed using the structural equation modeling method.

Findings

The findings indicate that supervisor support for training directly affected motivation to learn; both developmental needs awareness and motivation to learn had direct and significant effects on training readiness, motivation to transfer and job performance; developmental needs awareness directly affected motivation to learn; training readiness directly affected motivation to transfer.

Research limitations/implications

This study investigated how supervisor support contributes to motivation, training and job performance. In addition, this study attempted to bridge the gap in the literature by investigating the relationships among supervisor support, developmental needs awareness, learning motivation, training readiness, transfer motivation and job performance.

Practical implications

By conducting an initial needs assessment of participants, human resource development (HRD) practitioners can reflect on what participants want and need when designing and implementing professional development programs. HRD practitioners can also collaborate with participants’ supervisors to prepare for interventions to improve the quality and practicality of existing professional development programs.

Originality/value

Although the extant literature suggests that organizational support, motivation and training transfer are distinct but highly interrelated constructs; little is known about the predictive properties of a supervisor’s role in the training literature. Supervisors play a crucial role in that they can influence their subordinates on whether to participate in training programs. The ability of supervisors to provide adequate support and engage in comfortable communication about training programs may lead to enhanced motivation to learn and to greater training transfer. These potentially desirable effects motivate the researchers to further explore the nature of this component and its relationship with other training outcome variables.
Leadership and management development post-war: exploring future trends
Authors: Megheirkouni Majd
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and understand current challenges and future trends in leadership and management development that can help practitioners in post-wars periods, using evidence from Syrian public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative method design is used for data collection: semi-structured interviews with 24 senior managers in the public sector.

Findings

The findings revealed that the current challenges includes egos, technological hurdles, financial constraints, instability and the different expectations of new and old staff; future trends include developing collective leadership, technology literacy applications for effective leadership development, focusing on self-learning and development, focusing on creativity and innovation for transferring learning and development and targeting both vertical and horizontal learning and development.

Research limitations/implications

Research data have been collected with managers working in an unstable environment. Only the public sector has been involved in the study. There were a number of limitations, e.g. selection of participant sample size and exploratory methodology, which affect generalizing the findings.

Practical implications

The implication of the current study is practical in nature. Essentially, post-war governments can use the results of the current study to help leaders and managers develop and implement effective strategies to meet their enormous and urgent needs.

Originality/value

Leadership/management development has become a strategic issue in post-war countries, acting as the key element in the stage of extensive reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, and the restoration and restructuring of social services in former conflict zones, and the restoration and restructuring of economy and many other roles.
The marketisation of the English higher education sector and its impact on academic staff and the nature of their work
Authors: Taberner Andrea Mary
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the impact of the marketisation of the English HE sector on academic staff and the nature of their professional work is felt to the same degree in different English universities. The study was conducted between November 2015 and April 2017.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the interpretivist paradigm, a qualitative, inductive approach is adopted. In total, 12 semi-structured interviews of 60-90 min each were conducted with academics of six English university types (ancient, old and new civics, plate-glass, technological and post-1992). Participants who were identified by non-probability sampling included professors, principal, senior and lecturers and associate lecturers.

Findings

Six key themes emerged regarding the impact on academic staff and their work: efficiency and quantity over effectiveness; autocratic, managerialist ideology over academic democracy and debate; instrumentalism over intellectualism; de-professionalisation and fragmentation of the academy; increased incidence of performativity, bullying and workplace aggression; and work intensification. The ancient university is least impacted by marketisation in terms of academic staff and the nature of their work. Next are the old and new civic universities, followed by technological, plate-glass universities. The most impact is felt by academics (and the nature of their work) in the post-1992 universities.

Research limitations/implications

There is a relatively small number of interviews in this study; therefore, it is difficult to categorically correlate an academic biography with their opinion in the context of their university type. More male than female participants were interviewed. International staff were not interviewed, and this could bring a varying perspective to the narrative found in this study. A mixed approach in further research would aid this objective. Some of the questioning in the pilot study was not as focused as any further primary research would have to be.

Originality/value

A further area of study, which could have practical implications, add originality and value would be to investigate how good practice in “employee engagement” in the university context might pave the way forward. This has the potential to benefit academic staff directly and the institution, a win–win solution for all stakeholders.
A transparent legal system of indicators as the indicator of personal fit
Authors: Pečarič Mirko
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Fit and misfit (F&M) affect thoughts, actions and implementation. Both concepts are unknown in the law or in the public administration; so, this paper aims to demonstrate how these concepts can be addressed from the legal point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

F&M have not yet been addressed from a legal point of view. To determine a connection between them, the rule of law, F&M is compared with the indexes of happiness and life satisfaction. The claim that F&M can be more objectively stated in regulation that must be based on public participation is tested with Google Trends. Google Trends gave data on the searched notions (regulation, participation, organisation and misfit), for which statistical calculations are made to establish relations between them.

Findings

F&M are an intangible capital with which the rule of law is tightly connected. Citizens are happy and satisfied in countries with a high rank on the rule of law and vice versa. Correlations are positive for the misfit and regulation, participation and organisation, regulation and organisation and regulation and participation, while those for misfit and organisation are low. Google search therefore denies the strongest connection between misfit and organisation that is in the centre of F&M literature.

Originality/value

F&M have not yet been addressed from a legal point of view, although they have a lot of similarity if not the same. Based on this predisposition, this paper refutes some “romantic” ideas about person–environment and person–organisation fit, and it gives opposite arguments from the public law point of view. The paper tries to point to optimal specificity for fit in a legal environment based on proposed indicators and gives directions for further research.
The moderating effects of demographic characteristics and certain psychological factors on the job embeddedness – turnover relationship among Thai health-care employees
Authors: Dechawatanapaisal Decha
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the roles of demographic characteristics (i.e. generations and organizational tenure) and psychological factors (i.e. leader-member exchange and self-efficacy) as moderators of the relationship between job embeddedness and turnover intention, and the mediating effect of turnover intention between job embeddedness and actual turnover.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 422 health-care workers through a questionnaire survey and analyzed by means of a confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical regression.

Findings

The results reveal that less embedded employees who perceive a lower level of leader–member exchange quality are more likely to indicate an intention to leave. The negative relationship between job embeddedness and turnover intention is stronger among less embedded employees with high self-efficacy. The finding also indicates that turnover intention plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between job embeddedness and actual turnover.

Research limitations/implications

The current research took place within two health-care organizations. Replicating the study in a variety of industries, professions or cultures would be useful for the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

Organizations may improve their retention of employees by nurturing the leader–member exchange relationship to enhance a social web that bonds them together. Managers may need to pay attention to making a greater effort to embed individuals in their jobs, so that they are better able to cope successfully with challenges and organize the workday to accommodate them.

Originality/value

This study examines the moderating roles of individual characteristics and psychological factors on the relationship between job embeddedness and turnover intention, which has not been extensively investigated in the literature.
Does culture impact private label performance?
Authors: Budhathoki Tribikram , Schmitt Julien , Michaelidou Nina
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To better understand the disparity of private label performance across countries, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the role played by national culture. Two types of impact are considered: a direct influence of cultural dimensions on the performance of private labels in a country and an indirect one where national culture favours the development of modern retailers, which, in turn, benefits private label performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the five dimensions of the Hofstede model to describe national culture, this paper performs a structural equation modelling incremental building model approach using secondary data collected from a sample of 65 countries.

Findings

The results show that individualism (positively) and long-term orientation (negatively) directly impact private label performance. Moreover, four dimensions (individualism, masculinity, power distance and uncertainty avoidance) are shown to have a significant indirect impact on private label performance via the mediation of retail market development, positively for individualism and negatively for the three other dimensions.

Practical implications

The findings provide retailers with important insights into the critical decisions of the selection of new markets and adaptation of the private label strategy according to the culture of the country.

Originality/value

This research pioneers by being the first to determine the impact of all the dimensions of the Hofstede cultural model on private label performance, use a very large number of countries to test this impact and study the role of important retail market factors in this phenomenon.
An international new venture’s commercialization of a medical technology innovation
Authors: Laurell Hélène
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how different country-specific institutional healthcare settings affect an international new venture’s (INV’s) selling strategies and internationalization process when commercializing a medical technology innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a longitudinal in-depth case study approach with a comparative healthcare analysis in Sweden, UK, Germany and the USA.

Findings

An institutional framework helps elucidate the regulative, normative and cultural-cognitive dimensions in different healthcare settings. National markets differ when operating in a healthcare setting and thus affect both sales patterns and the internationalization process. In this study, three different sales patterns emerged from the countries’ and even regions’ distinctive institutional differences. Although the actual internationalization process starts from the INV’s inception, the subsequent internationalization process was both slow and focused due to institutional diversity and complexity.

Practical implications

Every nation has its own unique healthcare structure, indicating the importance of choosing markets that facilitate a swift uptake of a specific medical technology innovation. Commercializing a medical technology innovation in different country-specific healthcare settings is a lengthy, complex and costly process, especially if new behaviors and routines need to be created.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the international entrepreneurship-marketing interface by developing an analytical framework for understanding country differences in relation to regulative, normative and culture-cognitive dimensions and by advancing six propositions related to the role of institutional healthcare settings and their impact on INVs’ sales patterns and internationalization processes.
The effectiveness of government policies for export promotion on the export performance of SMEs Cocoa exporters in Cameroon
Authors: Njinyah Sam Zisuh
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the significance of the direct and indirect effects (through country and firm’s specific advantages) of government policies for export promotion (GPEP) on the export performance of small and medium-size enterprise (SME) Cocoa exporters in Cameroon.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the proposed model, data were obtained through self-administered questionnaires using snowball sampling technique to 101 SME Cocoa exporters. This was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques to examine both the direct and indirect effects of GPEP on the export performance of SME Cocoa exporters in the South and Centre Regions of Cameroon.

Findings

The findings suggest that GPEP had both direct and indirect effects on the export performance of SME Cocoa exporters. Direct effect was on the usage of GPEP which reduces operating cost and increase performance. The indirect effects were through the provision of country and firms specific advantages. However, the only significant path was through the provision of export marketing information.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to one country, one sector, and two regions and does not take into consideration other factors that may influence the effect of GPEP, country, and firms specific advantages on export performance. Moreover, the non-significant paths should be interpreted with caution and further testing required in a different context.

Practical implications

Empirical findings are relevant for the government and SME Cocoa exporters. It informs the government about the effectiveness of GPEP and the need to disseminate marketing information using every possible medium best understood by the SMEs. It suggests an opportunity for engagement of both SMEs and government authorities in accessing the outcome of GPEP which will increase transparency, awareness, usage, and export performance.

Originality/value

The research has successfully developed and tested a model for analyzing the direct and indirect effects of GPEP on export performance based on the resource-based view and SEM in a context where there is a call for more empirical and theoretical work on export performance due to limited studies. The framework reveals positive effects of GPEP, country, and firms’ specific advantages as determinants of export performance.
Individual-level cultural consumer engagement styles
Authors: Hollebeek Linda D.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

While the consumer engagement (CE) concept is gaining traction in the literature, little remains known regarding the ways in which consumers displaying differing cultural traits engage with brands and their differences. The purpose of this paper is to explore CE with brands for consumers exhibiting differing cultural traits, and develop a set of research propositions for these individuals’ cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social CE in brand interactions. These propositions, collectively, reflect consumers’ individual-level cultural CE styles – consumers’ motivationally driven disposition to think, feel, act, and relate to others in a certain manner characteristic of their specific individual cultural traits in brand interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this conceptual paper, literature is reviewed in the areas of CE and its conceptual relationship with Yoo et al.’s (2011) individual cultural values.

Findings

Key differences between individual-level cultural traits and consumers’ ensuing cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social CE with brands are addressed in a set of research propositions based on Yoo et al.’s model of individual cultural values, from which the concept of individual-level cultural CE styles is developed.

Research limitations/implications

This research explores differences across individuals displaying differing cultural traits and their ensuing CE with brands, which remains underexplored to date. It also develops the concept of individual-level cultural CE styles, which reflect consumers’ characteristic cultural trait-based cognitions, emotions, behaviors, and social dynamics in engaging with particular brands.

Practical implications

The outlined managerial implications reveal that unique marketing approaches are expected to be effective for engaging consumers exhibiting different cultural traits with brands, based on their distinctive CE styles (e.g. focusing on personalized interactions/interactions that stress consumers’ similarity to and fit with salient others for individualist/collectivist consumers, respectively).

Originality/value

This paper makes two important theoretical contributions. First, by offering a conceptual analysis of consumers displaying differing cultural traits and their ensuing engagement with brands, it provides an early attempt to explore individual-level cultural CE-based differences. Second, it develops the concept of individual-level cultural CE styles, which is expected to hold important theoretical and managerial implications.
A multilevel perspective to the study of export venture performance
Authors: Oliveira João S. , Cadogan John W.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present several opportunities that can emerge from using a multilevel approach to study the antecedents of export venture performance, and provide scholars with the conceptual and practical tools for developing multilevel models of export venture success.

Design/methodology/approach

Essay.

Findings

The paper shows the problems which scholars face if they continue to engage in using single venture data to test models that are inherently multilevel in nature.

Research limitations/implications

There may be a need to revisit previous works that utilize samples of single ventures to assess models of export venture performance that are implicitly multilevel.

Practical implications

This paper outlines the practical issues that researchers need to consider when conducting multilevel research in the export venture performance field.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to focus on the multilevel nature of the export venture performance construct.
Interactions between restoration and financial analysis: the case of Cuneo War Wounded House
Authors: Fabbri Rita , Gabrielli Laura , Ruggeri Aurora Greta
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the cross-sectoral collaboration between conservation and economic appraisal, and to process a financial analysis for private owners of a built heritage.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology applied addresses the financial analysis of restoration through a discounted cash flow analysis, together with a life cycle costing. Costs and revenues are both analysed in this paper. Some energy-saving measures are applied to cut running costs and decrease the energy required by the building, using as reference the “Guidelines for improving energy efficiency in cultural heritage” drafted by MiBACT, which considers the respect of restoration principles. In order to increase revenues, part of the building is rented. The attractiveness of the investment opportunity is valued through the calculation of the net present value of cash flows, the payback period and the internal rate of return.

Findings

The paper offers a simple strategy for the planning of cost-revenues, preventively allowing verification if the conservation is economically feasible and if the owners can afford the operation. The strategic planning will give the owners the chance of maintaining the property of their building and achieve a proper restoration on it.

Originality/value

The novelty of the paper is the study of cooperation between conservation and economic valuation, but also the focus on a specific portion of twentieth-century heritage, the war-wounded houses, which represent a widespread patrimony, on which it is not clear how to operate yet.
Outcomes of an inner city forensic intellectual disability service
Authors: Wooster Leah , McCarthy Jane , Chaplin Eddie
Published: February 2018

Purpose

National policy in England is now directed towards keeping patients with intellectual disability (ID) presenting with forensic problems for time-limited treatment. The result is that secure hospital services are expected to work much more proactively to discharge patients to community-based services. However, there is little evidence in recent years on the outcome of discharged patients with ID from secure hospitals. The purpose of this paper is to describe the outcomes of a patient group discharged from a specialist forensic ID service in London, England.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a descriptive retrospective case note study of patients with ID admitted to and discharged from a secure service with both low and medium secure wards, over a six-year period from 2009 to 2016. The study examined patient demographic, clinical and outcome variables, including length of stay, pharmacological treatment on admission and discharge, offending history and readmissions to hospital and reoffending following discharge.

Findings

The study identified 40 male patients, 29 of which were admitted to the medium secure ward. In all, 27 patients (67.5 per cent) were discharged into the community with 14 patients having sole support from the community ID services and 4 from the community forensic services. In total, 20 per cent of patients were readmitted within the study period and 22.2 per cent of patients received further convictions via the Criminal Justice System following discharge.

Originality/value

This was a complex group of patients with ID discharged into the community with a number at risk of requiring readmission and of reoffending. Community-based services providing for offenders with ID must have sufficient expertise and resourcing to manage the needs of such a patient group including the ongoing management of risks. The national drive is significantly to reduce the availability of specialist inpatient services for this group of patients but this must occur alongside an increase in both resources and expertise within community services.
Does the adapted sex offender treatment programme reduce cognitive distortions? A meta-analysis
Authors: Patterson Chris
Published: February 2018

Purpose

For the 3.8 per cent of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) who have offended sexually, the main form of treatment is the group-based, cognitive-behavioural, adapted sex offender treatment programme (ASOTP) that focusses on challenging cognitive distortions condoning sex offending. The purpose of this paper is to provide an evaluation of how effective the ASOTP is at reducing ID sex offenders’ cognitive distortions.

Design/methodology/approach

Three databases were searched systematically: PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Web of Science. Six studies met the inclusion criteria, yielding 118 participants. Using a random-effects model, effect sizes were calculated using pre- and post-treatment scores on a measure of cognitive distortions. The standardised mean difference (SMD) was 1.77 (95 per cent CI: 1.06, 2.46), which was statistically significant (p<0.001) and “large”. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that this SMD was robust, and a check for publication bias revealed that it was unlikely that the “file drawer problem” confounded the meta-analysis.

Findings

These results indicated that the ASOTP can significantly reduce ID sex offenders’ cognitive distortions, regardless of treatment length, IQ level, language abilities, or offence type. Consistent with earlier reports, longer treatment resulted in the greatest reductions: the optimum treatment length was 24 months.

Research limitations/implications

The ASOTP’s current evidence is comprised wholly of case and quasi-experimental studies, none of which employed control groups. This paper highlights how there is a dire need for high-quality experimental evaluation of the ASOTP.

Practical implications

Clinicians are advised to continue using the ASOTP as the main treatment for ID sex offenders until the effectiveness of the ASOTP is further examined using randomised controlled trials.

Originality/value

This is the first meta-analytic review of the effectiveness of the ASOTP.
Outsourcing decision: do strategy and structure really matter?
Authors: Mishra Deepa , Kumar Sameer , Sharma R.R.K. , Dubey Rameshwar
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Although there is a growing body of literature on human resource (HR) outsourcing, there are still unresolved issues regarding the level of outsourcing HR activities initiated in firms having different strategies and structures. This is relevant to examine because firms with different orientations (strategy and structure) cannot do HR outsourcing at the same level. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework is developed and empirically validated using survey data from 184 manufacturing firms in India. The analysis involved testing a number of hypotheses through statistical techniques using the confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that firms having prospector orientation are more likely to outsource non-core HR activities as compared to firms having analyzer and defender orientation strategies, in that order. However, in comparison to non-core HR activities, core HR activities are less likely to be outsourced by firms with different strategic orientations (prospector, analyser, and defender).

Originality/value

This research study underscores the linkage between HR outsourcing and strategy and structure of a firm by developing a theoretical framework.