bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between bacterial G+C content, genome size and the G+C content of associated plasmids and bacteriophages
Authors: Almpanis Apostolos , Swain Martin , Gatherer Derek , McEwan Neil
Published: April 2018

Based on complete bacterial genome sequence data, we demonstrate a correlation between bacterial chromosome length and the G+C content of the genome, with longer genomes having higher G+C contents. The correlation value decreases at shorter genome sizes, where there is a wider spread of G+C values. However, although significant (P<0.001), the correlation value (Pearson R=0.58) suggests that other factors also have a significant influence. A similar pattern was seen for plasmids; longer plasmids had higher G+C values, although the large number of shorter plasmids had a wide spread of G+C values. There was also a significant (P<0.0001) correlation between the G+C content of plasmids and the G+C content of their bacterial host. Conversely, the G+C content of bacteriophages tended to reduce with larger genome sizes, and although there was a correlation between host genome G+C content and that of the bacteriophage, it was not as strong as that seen between plasmids and their hosts.
Identification of PTBP1 responsible for caspase dependent YRNA cleavage
Authors: Ogata Jun , Sugiura Yuki , Kanai Akinori , Tanaka Masafumi , Matsui Hirotaka , Ohtsuka Masato , Inaba Toshiya , Otsuka Motoyuki , Kotani Ai
Published: April 2018

Some RNAs such as 28S rRNA, U1 snRNA, and Y RNAs are known to be cleaved during apoptosis. As the underlying mechanism is yet unclear, the functions and biological significance of RNA degradation in apoptosis remain elusive. We previously identified novel, functional small RNAs named AGO-taxis small RNA (ASR) that are specifically bound to AGO1. Here, we investigated ASR biogenesis, which appears to be non-canonical. Y RNAs, non-coding RNAs degraded during apoptosis, were identified as the precursors of several ASRs. Cell-free analysis combined with fractionation methods revealed that the apoptosis-specific biogenesis of ASRs or Y RNA degradation was induced by PTBP1—an endoribonuclease inhibitor of Y RNAs. PTBP1, a splicing factor, was truncated by caspase 3, which subsequently activated endoribonuclease to induce biogenesis of ASRs and Y RNA cleavage.
Repeat-mediated deletions can be induced by a chromosomal break far from a repeat, but multiple pathways suppress such rearrangements
Authors: Mendez-Dorantes Carlos , Bhargava Ragini , Stark Jeremy M.
Published: April 2018

Chromosomal deletion rearrangements mediated by repetitive elements often involve repeats separated by several kilobases and sequences that are divergent. While such rearrangements are likely induced by DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), it has been unclear how the proximity of DSBs relative to repeat sequences affects the frequency of such events. We generated a reporter assay in mouse cells for a deletion rearrangement involving repeats separated by 0.4 Mb. We induced this repeat-mediated deletion (RMD) rearrangement with two DSBs: the 5′ DSB that is just downstream from the first repeat and the 3′ DSB that is varying distances upstream of the second repeat. Strikingly, we found that increasing the 3′ DSB/repeat distance from 3.3 kb to 28.4 kb causes only a modest decrease in rearrangement frequency. We also found that RMDs are suppressed by KU70 and RAD51 and promoted by RAD52, CtIP, and BRCA1. In addition, we found that 1%–3% sequence divergence substantially suppresses these rearrangements in a manner dependent on the mismatch repair factor MSH2, which is dominant over the suppressive role of KU70. We suggest that a DSB far from a repeat can stimulate repeat-mediated rearrangements, but multiple pathways suppress these events.
Mutational signatures of DNA mismatch repair deficiency in C. elegans and human cancers
Authors: Meier Bettina , Volkova Nadezda V. , Hong Ye , Schofield Pieta , Campbell Peter J. , Gerstung Moritz , Gartner Anton
Published: April 2018

Throughout their lifetime, cells are subject to extrinsic and intrinsic mutational processes leaving behind characteristic signatures in the genome. DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency leads to hypermutation and is found in different cancer types. Although it is possible to associate mutational signatures extracted from human cancers with possible mutational processes, the exact causation is often unknown. Here, we use C. elegans genome sequencing of pms-2 and mlh-1 knockouts to reveal the mutational patterns linked to C. elegans MMR deficiency and their dependency on endogenous replication errors and errors caused by deletion of the polymerase ε subunit pole-4. Signature extraction from 215 human colorectal and 289 gastric adenocarcinomas revealed three MMR-associated signatures, one of which closely resembles the C. elegans MMR spectrum and strongly discriminates microsatellite stable and unstable tumors (AUC = 98%). A characteristic difference between human and C. elegans MMR deficiency is the lack of elevated levels of NCG > NTG mutations in C. elegans, likely caused by the absence of cytosine (CpG) methylation in worms. The other two human MMR signatures may reflect the interaction between MMR deficiency and other mutagenic processes, but their exact cause remains unknown. In summary, combining information from genetically defined models and cancer samples allows for better aligning mutational signatures to causal mutagenic processes.
Accounting for the male domination through legislative empowerment of upper-middle class women in the early nineteenth century Spain
Authors: Bernal María Dolores Capelo , Pinzón Pedro Araújo , Funnell Warwick
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address both the neglect of non-Anglo-centric accounting gendered practices beyond the predominant professional setting and the controversial roles of women and accounting in power relationships inside the household. Analyzing a Spanish upper-middle class Catholic family in the early nineteenth century, the research focuses on the reciprocal interaction of accounting with practices and processes of daily life in a rigid patriarchal socio-cultural and juridical context.

Design/methodology/approach

This microhistory draws upon several archives, including in Spain the Archivo Histórico Provincial de Cádiz. In England, the Bath Record Office has preserved documents and correspondence, both personal and business related, and the Worcester Record Office preserved notarial documents concerning the family. The large number of letters which have survived has facilitated an in-depth study of the people who were affected by accounting calculations.

Findings

In a juridical context where women were conceived as merely the means for the circulation of property between two families, the evidence shows that accounting provided the proof of women’s patrimony value and the means to facilitate their recovery in this cosification process. Although women had a little involvement in the household’s accounting and management, they demonstrated confidence in accounting, fulfilling a stewardship function for the resources received. Also, evidence shows that by using accounting practices to shield supposedly defenseless women, this reinforced male domination over women and promoted the view that the role of women was as an ornament and in need of a good husband.

Originality/value

Contrasting with the Anglo-Saxon contemporary context, the Spanish law preserved a woman’s property rights, guaranteeing recovery of properties owned by her before marriage should the marriage be legally annulled or be dissolved because one of the spouses’ death. This required a detailed accounting of the wife’s properties brought to her marriage, most especially regarding the dowry provided by her family.
Taking apart structural change
Authors: Rosenberg Age
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the role of communication in relieving tensions that can arise from organizational practices enacted during structural change. Practices, according to Whittington (2006, p. 619), constitute shared routines of behaviour, including traditions, norms and procedures for thinking and acting.

Design/methodology/approach

Employees’ reflections regarding what, how and why certain circumstances occurred during the structural reform of an Estonian State Institution with approximately 300 employees, comprised the study data. Reflections were collected during 27 interviews conducted after recent change to the structure of this organization. After aggregating different actions, associations and emotions into practices, these practices were assigned to elements offered by Schatzki (2005), and tensions between the elements sought and analysed.

Findings

Analysis of the three practices extracted as forming part of the structural reform – management decision-making, recruitment and physical relocation – showed that in organizational settings, the constitutional role of communication within practices needs conscious attention at different levels of the practice. Tensions that arose between practice elements, e.g. rules or reasons for doing something not complying with ways of doing it, revealed the need for metacommunication regarding those elements.

Practical implications

Communication during organizational changes needs to be more than crafted messages via well-organized channels from the communications department; it needs to penetrate to all different levels before, during and after a change. All that to create as many opportunities for employees at all levels to collectively make sense of what is happening and for the management to make necessary changes based on that. It should be created consciously by for example inviting employees together in discussion circles during the planning phase of the change and outlining the key processes of the change in question with them involved.

Originality/value

The value of this study is in investigating what goes on in an organization by distancing oneself from the immediate behaviour of an individual to focus on patterns of action, which gives another understanding as to why even when people wish for the best, things often still do not turn out as hoped. This approach refers to the theory that there are tensions or mistakes coded into practices, thus allowing one to look at inter-personal communication as part of other actions, not as a separate line of actions.
Influence from organisational factors on patient safety and safety behaviour among nurses and hospital staff
Authors: Olsen Espen
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Hospital systems are expected to influence patient safety outcomes. The purpose of this study is to explore organisational factors influencing patient safety and safety behaviour among nurses and other hospital staff.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a theoretical model, six dimensions were selected from the hospital survey on patient safety culture. Moreover, one standardized dimension measuring safety behaviour was included. The data were collected from 1,703 hospital workers completing a cross-sectional survey.

Findings

Confirmatory factor analysis and supplementary statistics supported the use of measurement concepts applied in the study. A two-step statistical approach using structural equation modelling resulted in a satisfactory final model illustrating direct and indirect influence of the explanatory factors used.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study is the use of a cross-sectional survey design.

Practical implications

The study illustrates how organisational factors are interconnected. The theoretical model developed and tested can be applied to improve safety behaviour and patient safety in hospital settings.

Social implications

The social implications of this study include the social relationships within the hospital setting, illustrating how organisational factors influence both safety behaviour and perception of patient safety levels.

Originality/value

A new theoretical model is developed and tested among hospital staff. The paper adds a new perspective on how organisational factors influence perceived safety outcomes in hospital settings.
Principal-agent relationship issues in Islamic banks: a view of Islamic ethical system
Authors: Zainuldin Mohd Haniff , Lui Tze Kiat , Yii Kwang Jing
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss and explore the unique agency issues in Islamic banks which give rise to different agency conflicts exist in Islamic banks as compared to conventional banks. In addition, this paper critically examines agency theory in Islamic banking perspective by incorporating Islamic ethical considerations in the principal–agent setting.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper, and the discussions revolve around the review of literature of which important sources have been cited in a way that demonstrates a reasonable understanding of the topic. It attempts to create a discourse around the inclusion of Islamic ethical system in understanding the governance structure of Islamic banks.

Findings

This paper concludes that Islamic ethical system embedded in the Islamic banks business activities shapes Islamic banks into organisations that place higher ethical considerations than conventional banks. Therefore, Islamic banks are likely to have less severe agency problems relative to their conventional counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

As the discourse generated by the paper, it can ultimately enhance the understanding of Islamic governance structure in the perspective of agency issues.

Social implications

As the discourse generated by the paper, it can ultimately enhance the understanding of Islamic governance structure in the perspective of agency issues.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to bring to attention the important aspect of principal–agent relationship within the Islamic banking structures and explain the role of incorporating Islamic ethical system in enhancing the understanding of the principal–agent relationship.
A dualistic view of brand portfolios: the company’s versus the customers’ view
Authors: Åsberg Per
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Brand architecture and brand portfolios have been regarded as absolute entities to be analysed from the company’s perspective. The purpose of this study is to question such a uniform view by adding a perceptional dimension to the two concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews with 58 marketing professionals and customers were used to explore ten propositions and map associations in the perceived brand portfolios, based on the brand concept map methodology.

Findings

The study reveals systematic differences between the collective view of company representatives, who name fewer brands associated through more sophisticated and highly connected brand systems and customers who include more partners and competitor brands in the portfolio, who also name more brands and connections in total.

Research limitations/implications

Implications of the results are analysed and future research is suggested to determine the generalizability of the findings and the economic implications of discrepant internal and external views of a brand architecture and brand portfolio.

Practical implications

Academics should relate to this dualism by compensating for the effects of the associative predisposition of employees versus customers when interpreting results of studies related to brand portfolios and brand architecture. Marketing practitioners must actively acknowledge and manage the role of partners and competitors as part of the company’s external brand portfolio.

Originality/value

This study is the first to problematize the unilateral interpretation of brand portfolios and brand architecture by introducing a dual view of these concepts based on internal (employees) and external (consumers) perceptions.
Making inconsistent worlds: a conceptual framework for co-competition
Authors: Hiler Jacob L. , Cook Laurel Aynne , Northington William Magnus
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the phenomenon of co-competition, within service-dominant logic, whereby multiple parties with mutually exclusive goals compete for the rights to co-create with a firm.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the context of a massively multiplayer online role-playing game, the paper uses a naturalistic inquiry approach guided by the core objectives of qualitative research provided by Belk et al. (2012). These objectives include understanding the construct of study, the antecedents and consequences of what is being studied and, finally, the process used by the consumer during the phenomena. Additionally, the results are presented within an idiographic framework.

Findings

This study finds that co-competition arises when heterogeneous segments of consumers attempt different co-creation strategies with the firm, an overlooked dark side of co-creation and co-production of value. Additionally, the study finds evidence that co-competition may have led to co-destruction of value for both consumer parties and the firm.

Originality/value

The outcomes of this process could have significant financial and reputational impacts for the firm resultant from alienating both types of consumers competing for the rights to co-create. The conceptual framework established here provides a guide through which further investigation of co-creative forces can occur.
Diffusion theory and multi-disciplinary working in children’s services
Authors: Bostock Lisa , Lynch Amy , Newlands Fiona , Forrester Donald
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how innovation in children’s services is adopted and developed by staff within new multi-disciplinary children’s safeguarding teams. It draws on diffusion of innovations (DOI) theory to help us better understand the mechanisms by which the successful implementation of multi-disciplinary working can be best achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

It is based on interviews with 61 frontline safeguarding staff, including social workers, substance misuse workers, mental health workers and domestic abuse workers. Thematic analysis identified the enablers and barriers to implementation.

Findings

DOI defines five innovation attributes as essential for rapid diffusion: relative advantage over current practice; compatibility with existing values and practices; complexity or simplicity of implementation; trialability or piloting of new ideas; and observability or seeing results swiftly. Staff identified multi-disciplinary team working and group supervision as advantageous, in line with social work values and improved their service to children and families. Motivational interviewing and new ways of case recordings were less readily accepted because of the complexity of practicing confidently and concerns about the risks of moving away from exhaustive case recording which workers felt provided professional accountability.

Practical implications

DOI is a useful reflective tool for senior managers to plan and review change programmes, and to identify any emerging barriers to successful implementation.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights into what children’s services staff value about multi-disciplinary working and why some aspects of innovation are adopted more readily than others, depending on the perception of diffusion attributes.
Visual art in advertising: new insights on the role of consumers’ art interest and its interplay with the hedonic value of the advertised product
Authors: Hüttl-Maack Verena
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to build on research on the art infusion effect (Hagtvedt and Patrick, 2008a). It investigates the effect of using fine art in advertising and addresses additional factors that have not been assessed to understand and describe the process of art infusion more thoroughly. Thereby, the moderating role of the art interest of individuals and its interplay with the hedonic value of the product is studied. Effects on attitude and willingness to pay are revealed and the perceived value for money as a further mediating variable that drives the art infusion effect under some conditions is investigated. Moreover, the study examines the effect of the artwork’s familiarity.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental study follows a 3 (ad picture: photo, unknown painting, well-known painting) × 2 (art interest: low, high) × 2 (product type: highly hedonic, moderately hedonic) between-subjects-design. In total, 447 consumers were surveyed in museums, art exhibitions and neutral public spaces.

Findings

For a clearly hedonic product, the art infusion effect is independent of consumers’ art interest. For an only moderately hedonic and more ambiguous product, this effect only occurs for highly art interested individuals. Moreover, different mediating processes are revealed for these two product types in a moderated mediation model. An effect of familiarity cannot be verified.

Originality/value

Research on effects of art on consumer responses to brands and products is still very limited. In addition to existing research, this paper adds to the identification of boundary conditions and the explanation of drivers of the art infusion effect. Moreover, this is the first study that provides insights on how an artwork affects consumers’ willingness to pay.
Multi-response optimization for machining GFRP composites using GRA and DFA
Authors: Neeli Naresh , Jenarthanan M.P. , Dileep Kumar G.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to optimise the process parameters, namely, fibre orientation angle, helix angle, spindle speed, and feed rate in milling of glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites using grey relational analysis (GRA) and desirability function analysis (DFA).

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, experiments were carried out as per the Taguchi experimental design and an L27 orthogonal array was used to study the influence of various combinations of process parameters on surface roughness and delamination factor. As a dynamic approach, the multiple response optimisation was carried out using GRA and DFA for simultaneous evaluation. These two methods are best suited for multiple criteria evaluation and are also not much complicated.

Findings

The process parameters were found optimum at a fibre orientation angle of 15°, helix angle of 25°, spindle speed of 6,000 rpm, and a feed rate of 0.04 mm/rev. Analysis of variance was employed to classify the significant parameters affecting the responses. The results indicate that the fibre orientation angle is the most significant parameter preceded by helix angle, feed rate, and spindle speed for GFRP composites.

Originality/value

An attempt to optimise surface roughness and delamination factor together by combined approach of GRA and DFA has not been previously done.
A thermodynamic framework to analyze the thermal shock response in an anisotropic hollow cylinder with energy dissipation
Authors: Biswas Siddhartha , Shaw Soumen
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the thermal shock response on the deformation of circular hollow cylinder in a thermodynamically consistent manner.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation is carried out under the light of generalized thermoelasticity theory with energy dissipation. In order to obtain the analytical expressions of the components of stress and strain fields, appropriate integral transform technique is adopted and the salient features are emphasized.

Findings

It has been observed that the existence of energy dissipation can minimize the development of the stress components into the cylindrical wall. Since more amount of heat is propagate into the medium in a short period of time consequently, the medium deformed in a high rate in presence of energy dissipation. Two special phenomena are also revealed in the particular cases.

Originality/value

The numerical simulated results are demonstrated through a numerous diagrams and some important observations are explained. This work may be helpful for those researchers who are devoted on several types of heat or fluid flow into the pipeline made with anisotropic solids.
A study on the earnings response coefficient (ERC) of socially responsible firms
Authors: Kim Yoo Chan , Seol Inshik , Kang Yun Sik
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine the corporate social responsibility (CSR) – earnings response coefficient (ERC) relation in the code-law tradition and the early stage of CSR practice to fill the research gap in the literature on CSR–ERC relation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use an association framework for the study. They use the firms listed on Korea Stock Exchange because Korea is classified as a code-law country and most of firms in Korea are in the early stages of CSR development, and Korean samples are considered credible and stable because of the effective financial reforms initiated by Korean government in the late 1990s. The authors collected data from the two data sources: KisValue and Korea Corporate Governance Service.

Findings

The authors find the following. First, CSR is negatively associated with ERC, which indicates that the ability of earnings to capture CSR implication is lower under the circumstances of the code-law and the early stage of CSR development. Second, political sensitivity (business group effect) is positively (negatively) associated with CSR–ERC relation, which means that the politically noticeable CSR concerns strengthen the CSR–ERC relation, and the inclusion of a firm in a business group weakens the CSR–ERC relation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper derives theoretical implications on the quality of earnings reflecting CSR activities, provides practical implications to the investors who target international capital markets and is expected to help broaden the understanding of CSR–ERC relations in international capital markets.

Practical implications

The paper provides practical implications to the investors who target international capital markets. Regarding the interpretation of accounting earnings that contain information on CSR activities, the legal origin and the CSR development stages are considered as key factors. Specifically, in the code-law and the early CSR environment, the potential benefits of CSR activities tend to be evaluated optimistically and reflected aggressively in reported earnings. Thus, if investors are in a similar international investment environment, they may need to recalibrate estimates in their decision model with additional CSR information from non-financial sources (e.g. sustainability reports).

Originality/value

The paper is based on the international institutional theory and the discussion of CSR development stages. The international institutional theory states that the legal origin is one of the factors that can help explain the differential aggressiveness of reported earnings by country. In addition, the discussion of CSR stages argues that the CSR practices can be differentially implemented by CSR stages. The authors try to fill the gap in the existing literature by conducting an empirical study based on data from Korea Stock Exchange.
Insights on the adoption of social media marketing in B2B services
Authors: Buratti Nicoletta , Parola Francesco , Satta Giovanni
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review extant literature on social media marketing (SMM) in B2B service markets, by scrutinizing and categorizing potential benefits for firms. The study, in particular, empirically investigates the adoption of social media (SM) tools by firms operating in two conservative B2B service industries.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review is carried out driving to a deeper understanding of the current state of knowledge on SM in B2B services. Leading peer-review international journals are scrutinized performing ad-hoc queries on the Scopus database using pre-defined keywords. Moreover, a quantitative research is conducted on 60 firms, i.e. tanker shipping companies and ocean carriers, providing empirical insights on their SM activity on three SM platforms, i.e., Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Findings

The outcomes from sample firms shed lights on the adoption rate of the most diffused SM tools, the size of the digital networks of stakeholders (number of followers), the intensity of the communication activity (number of posts, shares, photos, videos), and the level of customer engagement (number of likes and shares).

Practical implications

Research findings suggest to managers that SMM might be an easy-accessible and low-cost option for keeping the pace of sectorial transformations and creating a competitive advantage even in conservative sectors.

Originality/value

The paper, by investigating B2B service sectors, addresses an interesting gap in SMM literature as prior studies mostly focused on B2C industries and manufacturing contexts.
Active seniors perceived value within digital museum transformation
Authors: Traboulsi Christelle , Frau Moreno , Cabiddu Francesca
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to answer fundamental questions on the perceived value of active senior visitors (55+ years old) in the context of cultural heritage sites, when using immersive technologies, conceptualizing technological experience by illustrating an extended space in the pre, during and post phases of visits. Furthermore, it will reveal a better understanding of digital transformation opportunities and risks in the tourism industry and its related sectors regarding active senior travelers and it will further provide some insights and tools that are required to follow.

Design/methodology/approach

Since the authors are studying a population that is thus far not fluent in the means of digital opportunities, the authors will conduct two semi-structured interviews before and after visits to the museums in order to lower the level of emotional bias responses. Moreover, observations of the participants’ interaction with technological devices will be assessed during their visit.

Findings

Current findings enrich the theoretical perspective of perceived value. First, they extend our knowledge on the perceived consumers’ value of active senior visitors in the application of immersive technologies pertaining to archeological museums. They also shed new light on the different dimensions of the perceived value (epistemic value, functional value, hedonic value and social value) of active senior visitors concerning museum transformation. Third, they provide an integrative framework for extending the boundaries of the museum technological visit experience, linking the pre-, during-, and post-visit phases.

Research limitations/implications

Having a longitudinal study that evaluates the same population of seniors over a longer period would enhance our understanding of perception and adoption behavior in non-users. It entails the dimensions that are necessary from a theoretical and managerial point of view, thus contributing to strategic planning for museum managers who are planning on going digital in the coming years aiming at creating further value and satisfaction for their active senior visitors to cultural heritage sites.

Originality/value

The majority of research concerning technological developments and experiences to date has focused on holistic views studying different stakeholders’ perspectives or on digital natives’ perception regarding museum digital transformation. However, only few studies have evaluated the perceived value of active senior travelers and their overall satisfaction when visiting museums that became digital.
Three-dimensional sustainability of Kaizen
Authors: Mendez Jesus , Vila-Alonso Mercedes
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to know, from a three-dimensional perspective (operational, emotional and behavioral), the process of “putting down roots” related with the implementation of Kaizen until it becomes sustainable. The research aims to know how this “putting down roots” process is carried out, what transformations occur, what elements are involved and what role they represent in achieving sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, a methodology based on the case study has been used, an interpretive approach to reality has been adopted as a paradigm and the Grounded Theory has been applied as an analytical technique.

Findings

The results suggest the existence of a transformation process that leads to creating new habits, beliefs and feelings, a phenomenon that the authors identify as a three-dimensional learning process (operational, emotional and behavioral).

Practical implications

This type of learning is perceived as a transition toward an organizational culture that ensures the roots of the Kaizen principles, which is essential for its sustainability and which favors the creation of talent and the well-being of employees, two challenges that the Kaizen of the twenty-first century must face.

Originality/value

The document includes innovative contributions to the Kaizen sustainability phenomenon, as it is dealt with from a three-dimensional perspective that underlies the inhibitors and enablers known in the current literature.
Minimal effects on genetic structuring of a fungus‐dwelling saproxylic beetle after recolonisation of a restored forest
Authors: Zytynska Sharon E. , Doerfler Inken , Gossner Martin M. , Sturm Sarah , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Müller Jörg
Published: April 2018

Habitat restoration aims to improve local habitat conditions for threatened species. While such restorations are widespread, rigorous evaluations of their success are rare. This is especially true of those considering species dynamics. Increasingly, deadwood is a target for forest restoration as many species directly and indirectly depend on this resource.

In a broadleaf forest in southern Germany, we explored the effect of landscape‐wide deadwood restoration on the population genetic structure of the specialist fungus‐dwelling saproxylic beetle Bolitophagus reticulatus. Before 2003, the northern area of this forest was intensively logged for more than half a century, while the southern part was less intensively managed. This drove populations of the host fungus Fomes fomentarius, and consequently the beetle, to local extinction in the northern part. Only after the first decade of restoration were both the fungus and its beetles present across all areas of the forest.

Using 17 newly developed microsatellite loci, we show that these beetles exhibit population genetic structuring, mainly influenced by the north‐south divide. However, the low degree of isolation‐by‐distance, and the low relatedness of beetles collected from the same trees or fungus, shows that strong dispersal ability is facilitating the recolonisation of these forests on the scale of tens of kilometers. In another 10 years, it is likely that the population will show even less genetic structuring.

Synthesis and applications. Through the recolonisation of the fungus Fomes fomentarius and the fungus‐dwelling beetle Bolitophagus reticulatus after deadwood restoration, we demonstrate that, while there are many discussions on the optimal spatial distribution of deadwood, just the presence of deadwood can be sufficient to enable recolonisations of specific species. As long as some relict populations of these species are embedded in a once intensively managed forest, increased deadwood (amount and diversity) anywhere will benefit recolonisation of the habitat. However, increasing deadwood diversity should also be encouraged to benefit even more species.
‘Do I have to spell it out?’ Dyslexia, Lexism, and an object of comparison
Authors: Collinson Craig
Published: April 2018

In this article I mount an attack on the problematic conceptions of literacy that lie behind the Standards and Testing Agency's 2015 Interim Teacher Assessment Frameworks at the End of Key Stage 2 and the Key Stage 2 English Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling Tests. I employ an object of comparison (a philosophical method), for attitudes towards literacy and dyslexics. I challenge current conceptions of the Othering of, and discrimination against, dyslexics. I argue for the concept of ‘Lexism’ as an alternative explanatory account for the existence of dyslexics.
Reflections on the value of autistic participation in a tri‐national teacher‐training project through discourses of acceptance, othering and power
Authors: Wood Rebecca , Milton Damian
Published: April 2018

The Transform Autism Education (TAE) project is a tri‐national teacher training scheme involving Greece, Italy and the UK, whose purpose is to set up training projects to facilitate the educational inclusion of autistic children. Running over three years from 2014 to 2017, the involvement of autistic participants has been the source of some discussion. Here, TAE team members Wood and Milton reflect on narratives of participation, acceptance and struggle which emerged during a workshop they ran in Greece. Derived from 11 non‐autistic and two autistic participants, and analysed via discourse analysis, these stories suggest a high value placed on autistic participation by non‐autistic TAE team members, but an unwitting tendency to ‘other’ autistic people and a lack of awareness of the power differential. Meanwhile, as the autistic team members describe how educational and social participation can be achieved, the implications for autism education researchers and practitioners are discussed.
Youth participation in ‘post‐secular’ times: young Muslim and Buddhist practitioners as religious citizens
Authors: Harris Anita , Lam Kim
Published: April 2018

Recently there has been renewed interest in the role of religion in the public sphere in the context of a ‘post‐secular’ age characterized by the resurgence of religious identities and communities in increasingly diverse, multi‐faith societies. Young people's active political and civic engagement has also emerged as a core challenge for robust democracies. While an interesting body of current research suggests that religious commitment may cultivate participation amongst youth by acting as an incubator of civic and political engagement, such literature often positions religiosity as outside of, and consequently at odds with participation in a secular public sphere. We suggest that while religiosity may indeed act as an incubator for civic and political engagement, we propose greater attention to an emergence of alternative, entwined conceptualizations of religious citizenship evident in the practices, performances and dispositions of young Muslim and Buddhist religious practitioners in Australia, whereby processes of individuation contribute to greater fluidity within and across the domains of the religious and the civic.
Extracellular polysaccharide protects Rhizobium leguminosarum cells against zinc stress in vitro and during symbiosis with clover
Authors: Kopycińska Magdalena , Lipa Paulina , Cieśla Jolanta , Kozieł Marta , Janczarek Monika
Published: April 2018

Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii is a soil bacterium that establishes symbiosis with clover (Trifolium spp.) under nitrogen‐limited conditions. This microorganism produces exopolysaccharide (EPS), which plays an important role in symbiotic interactions with the host plant. The aim of the current study was to establish the role of EPS in the response of R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii cells, free‐living and during symbiosis, to zinc stress. We show that EPS‐deficient mutants were more sensitive to Zn2+ exposure than EPS‐producing strains, and that EPS overexpression conferred some protection onto the strains beyond that observed in the wild type. Exposure of the bacteria to Zn2+ ions stimulated EPS and biofilm production, and increased cell hydrophobicity. However, zinc stress negatively affected the motility and attachment of bacteria to clover roots, as well as the symbiosis with the host plant. In the presence of Zn2+ ions, cell viability, root attachment, biofilm formation and symbiotic efficiency of EPS‐overproducing strains were significantly higher than those of the EPS‐deficient mutants. We conclude that EPS plays an important role in the adaptation of rhizobia to zinc stress, in both the free‐living stage and during symbiosis.
Strengthening the UK‐Argentinian Science Relationship
Authors: Grimes Robin W.
Published: April 2018

In 2016 it was recognised that cooperation in science would be an important element of the developing relationship between Argentina and the UK. This was possible because of strong historic UK‐Argentina science ties. Also, both countries recognised it was crucial to strive for excellence in science and that international collaboration led to better science outcomes, especially for their respective economies and development. In November 2016 the two science Ministers signed a ‘Statement of Intent’, which identified science focus collaboration areas. These have progressed with the support of industry and Academies, national laboratories and Universities. An important factor in the sustainability of science links is to offer sufficient opportunities for the exchange of people.
Novel insights into Sabino1 and splashed white coat color patterns in horses
Authors: Druml T. , Grilz‐Seger G. , Neuditschko M. , Horna M. , Ricard A. , Pausch H. , Brem G.
Published: April 2018

Within the framework of genome‐wide analyses using the novel Axiom® genotyping array, we investigated the distribution of two previously described coat color patterns, namely sabino1 (SBI), associated with the KIT gene (KI16+1037A), and splashed white, associated with the PAX3 gene (ECA6:g.11429753C>T; PAX3C70Y), including a total of 899 horses originating from eight different breeds (Achal Theke, Purebred Arabian, Partbred Arabian, Anglo‐Arabian, Shagya Arabian, Haflinger, Lipizzan and Noriker). Based on the data we collected we were able to demonstrate that, besides Quarter horses, the PAX3C70Y allele is also present in Noriker (seven out of 189) and Lipizzan (three out of 329) horses. The SB1 allele was present in three breeds (Haflinger, 14 out of 98; Noriker, four out of 189; Lipizzan one out of 329). Furthermore, we examined the phenotypes of SB1‐ and PAX3C70Y‐carrier horses for their characteristic white spotting patterns. None of the SB1/sb1‐carrier horses met the criteria defining the Sabino1 pattern according to current applied protocols. From 10 heterozygous PAX3C70Y‐carrier horses, two had nearly a splashed white phenotype. The results of this large‐scale experiment on the genetic association of white spotting patterns in horses underline the influence of gene interactions and population differences on complex traits such as Sabino1 and splashed white.
Placing Angola: Racialisation, Anthropocentrism, and Settler Colonialism at the Louisiana State Penitentiary's Angola Rodeo
Authors: Gillespie Kathryn
Published: April 2018

The Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola) is a site embedded with historical legacies of plantation slavery and settler colonialism; as the largest maximum security penitentiary in the United States, the prison also reflects the racial injustice of contemporary US mass incarceration. Situated on the site of an old plantation, the prison hosts the Angola Rodeo twice a year, an event that crystallises violent multispecies social relations in the merging of the US West and South as two distinct kinds of colonial projects. Whereas much scholarship and activism has worked against the wholesale dehumanisation inherent in chattel slavery, settler colonialism, and mass incarceration, this paper works to interrogate and disrupt the human–animal binary through which processes of dehumanisation are sustained. Drawing together postcolonial studies and animal studies, the paper centres empirical research on the Angola Rodeo to highlight how racialisation and anthropocentrism are intertwined logics of subordination and exclusion that carry forward into the present. Ultimately, the paper suggests the need for a mode of analysis and action that does not maintain the subordination of the animal, and instead, takes a de‐anthropocentric and decolonial approach to injustice.
Naturalising Finance, Financialising Natives: Indigeneity, Race, and “Responsible” Agricultural Investment in Canada
Authors: Sommerville Melanie
Published: April 2018

This article examines the racialised political ecologies inscribed by financial investments in a large‐scale corporate farm engaging Indigenous peoples in the Canadian prairies. Established in 2009, One Earth Farms (OEF) became one of Canada's largest farms by leasing First Nations’ farmland. I argue thatOEF's early success hinged on its promise of “naturalising finance” by engaging agriculture as a purportedly more real and stable financial vehicle relative to traditional assets. Simultaneously,OEFclaimed to facilitate First Nations’ participation in agriculture by integrating their land and labour with financial flows—effectively “financialising natives”. I document the specific opportunities for capital accumulation and valuation mobilised by the project's claims to be providing reparative historical redress to First Nations through investor and corporate ecological and social “responsibility”. Reflecting on colonisation and racialisation processes, I demonstrate the ways that Indigenous histories and subjectivities are mobilised and monetised in contemporary political ecological projects.
Persistent socket pain postenucleation and post evisceration: a systematic review
Authors: Hogeboom Charlotte S. E. , Mourits Daphne L. , Ket Johannes C. F. , Tan H. Stevie , Hartong Dyonne T. , Moll Annette C.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

To investigate causes, diagnostics and treatment modalities for persistent socket pain (PSP) after enucleation and evisceration.

Methods

A systematic search was undertaken in accordance with the PRISMA Statement, in PubMed, Embase.com and Thomson Reuters/Web of Science. We searched for relevant papers until the 28th of July 2016. Inclusion criteria were (1) patients with a history of enucleation or evisceration, (2) PSP, (3) report of the cause and/or used diagnostics and/or treatment modality, (4) full text in English, Dutch or Spanish language. Excluded were (1) review articles, (2) comments, and publications concerning, (3) nonhumans, (4) exenterated patients, (5) acute postoperative pain, or (6) periorbital pain without pain in the socket. Given the lack of high quality evidence from randomized controlled trials, we examined all available evidence from primary observational studies and assessed quality within this lower level of evidence.

Results

A total of 32 studies were included. Causes of PSP found were prosthesis‐related (n = 5), dry socket (n = 2), trochleitis (n = 3), compression of the trigeminal nerve (n = 2), implant‐related (n = unknown), inflammation (n = 5), surgery‐related (n = 4), neuromas (n = 8), malignant tumours (n = 3), psychiatric/psychosocial (n = 2), phantom pain (n = 149), rarer entities (n = 3) or unknown (n = 14). Nonsurgical treatments suffice for conditions as trochleitis, prosthesis‐related pain, dry socket and for phantom pain. Other causes of pain may require more invasive treatments such as implant removal.

Conclusion

Careful history and examination can give some direction in the diagnostic procedure; however, PSP is probably multifactorial and the specific origin(s) may remain uncertain. Implant replacement can be an effective treatment. Studies to identifiy less invasive procedures are required.