bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrafamily and intragenomic conflicts in human warfare
Authors: Micheletti Alberto J. C. , Ruxton Graeme D. , Gardner Andy
Published: February 2017

Recent years have seen an explosion of multidisciplinary interest in ancient human warfare. Theory has emphasized a key role for kin-selected cooperation, modulated by sex-specific demography, in explaining intergroup violence. However, conflicts of interest remain a relatively underexplored factor in the evolutionary-ecological study of warfare, with little consideration given to which parties influence the decision to go to war and how their motivations may differ. We develop a mathematical model to investigate the interplay between sex-specific demography and human warfare, showing that: the ecology of warfare drives the evolution of sex-biased dispersal; sex-biased dispersal modulates intrafamily and intragenomic conflicts in relation to warfare; intragenomic conflict drives parent-of-origin-specific patterns of gene expression—i.e. ‘genomic imprinting’—in relation to warfare phenotypes; and an ecological perspective of conflicts at the levels of the gene, individual, and social group yields novel predictions as to pathologies associated with mutations and epimutations at loci underpinning human violence.
절임 공정 중 절단 배추의 품질 향상을 위한 maltodextrin과 grape seed extract 첨가조건 최적화
Authors: Park Sang-Un , Choi Eun Ji , Chung Young Bae , Han Eung Soo , Park Hae Woong , Chun Ho Hyun
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to develop a new salting condition that included added maltodextrin (MD) and grape seed extract (GSE) to ensure the microbiological safety and quality of salted shredded Korean cabbage. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to analyze the effects of four independent variables (NaCl concentration, salting duration, MD concentration, and GSE concentration). The following response variables were evaluated: reduction in total aerobic bacteria, yeast, and mold counts; weight loss and salt content; and taste, texture, and overall acceptability of salted shredded Korean cabbage. The optimal salting conditions include a combination of 10.09~10.32% NaCl, 9.45~10.00% MD, and 234~300 ppm GSE in a ternary salting solution and a salting duration of 5.68~5.94 hr. This optimal combination reduced total aerobic bacterial and yeast/molds counts by 3.33 and 1.45 log CFU/g, respectively, while maintaining high sensory scores for taste, texture, and overall acceptability of the salted shredded Korean cabbage. In addition, the optimal conditions yielded more acceptable weight loss and salt content characteristics. The results suggest that use of the optimized combination of salting conditions can improve the microbiological safety and quality of salted shredded Korean cabbage used for commercial kimchi production.
Effect of freezing temperature on quality characteristics of dried persimmons
Authors: Choi Ji-Young , Lee Hyeon-Jeong , Cho Jeong-Seok , Lee Yeong-Min , Jin Luo , Woo Jin-Ho , Moon Kwang-Deog
Published: February 2017

To evaluate the effect of freezing temperature on quality characteristics of dried persimmons, dried persimmons were frozen at -50°C (quick frozen, QF) and -20°C (slow frozen, SF) for 24 hr. Frozen persimmons were then stored at -20, -10, 0 and 10°C for 80 days. Total free sugar content of SF persimmons was higher than those of QF in the +10°C and -20°C stored samples. Except for samples stored at 10°C, the CIE L* values for QF persimmons were higher than those for SF persimmons. For samples stored at 10°C and 0°C, the CIE a* and b* values of SF samples were higher than those for QF samples. The texture of frozen dried persimmons was investigated to determine springiness, chewiness and hardness. Chewiness and hardness of samples held at 0°C were higher in SF than in QF persimmons. However, when stored at -10°C, chewiness and hardness were higher in QF than in SF samples. Springiness results were similar among the QF and SF persimmons held at different storage temperatures. For all storage temperatures, QF persimmons had a high soluble tannin content. All of the sample, the average soluble tannin contents of QF is 236.09 mg%. On the other hands, those of SF is 226.87 mg%. The results indicate that freezing rate and holding temperatures have significant effects on dried persimmon texture, soluble tannin level, and free sugar content. Further studies that include sensory evaluations are needed to determine the optimum freezing rate and holding temperature for dried persimmons.
Sterilization and quality variation of dried red pepper by atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge plasma
Authors: Song Yoon Seok , Park Yu Ri , Ryu Seung Min , Jeon Hyeong Won , Eom Sang Heum , Lee Seung Je
Published: February 2017

This study was conducted to explore the potential for use of atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge plasma (atmospheric pressure DBD plasma) as a non-thermal sterilization technology for microorganisms in dried red pepper. The effects of key parameters such as power, exposure time and distance on the sterilization efficiency and the quality of red dried pepper by the atmospheric pressure DBD plasma treatment were investigated. The results revealed that the plasma treatment was very effective for sterilization of Staphylococcus aureus, with 15 min of treatment at 1.0 kW and 20 mm sterilizing 82.6% of the S. aureus. Increasing the power or exposure time and decreasing the exposure distance led to improved sterilization efficiency. The atmospheric pressure DBD plasma treatment showed no effect on the ASTA (American spice trade association) value or hardness of dried red pepper. Furthermore, no effects of atmospheric pressure DBD plasma treatment were observed on the sensory properties of dried red pepper. To assess the storage stability, the dried red pepper was treated with atmospheric pressure DBD plasma (1.5 kW power, 15 min exposure time and 10 mm exposure distance), then stored for 12 weeks at 25°C. Consequently, the ASTA value, hardness and capsaicin concentration of dried red pepper were maintained.
Effect of extract temperature and duration on antioxidant activity and sensory characteristics of Ulmus pumila bark extract
Authors: Cho Myoung Lae , Oh Yu-Na , Ma Jin-Gyeong , Lee Su-Jin , Choi Young-Hee , Son Dong-Hwa , Hee Jang Eun , Kim Jong-Yea
Published: February 2017

Ulmus pumila L. bark underwent distilled water extraction under three temperature condition (4°C, room temperature, or 80°C) and two extraction times (1, or 5 min) in order to develop a functional beverage products. Changes in yield, pH, color, total phenolic (TP) content, tannin content and antioxidant activity of the aqueous extracts were evaluated for each extraction temperature and duration. Extraction conditions did not affect yield or pH value of the extracts; however CIE b* values were high in extracts prepared under high extraction temperature (80°C) and long extraction duration (5 min) conditions. Both extraction temperature and duration affected the TP and tannin contents of the extracts; however, all extraction conditions resulted in ≥450 mg GAE/g TP content and ≥80 mg CE/g tannin content. All extracts exhibited ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging ability similar to that of vitamin C. Nitric oxide inhibition activity was lower in the 5 min duration sample than in the 1 min sample. The 4°C extraction temperature produced an extract with the highest reducing power and hydrogen peroxide values. Extraction temperature also affected sensory evaluation results with the 80°C extraction temperature producing significantly higher flavor, bitterness, and color score, than those obtained under 4°C and room temperature extraction conditions.
Locomotion induces stimulus-specific response enhancement in adult visual cortex
Authors: Kaneko Megumi , Fu Yu , Stryker Michael P.
Published: February 2017

The responses of neurons in the visual cortex (V1) of adult mammals have long been thought to be stable over long periods. Here, we investigated whether repeated exposure to specific stimuli would enhance V1 visual responses in mice using intrinsic signal imaging through the intact skull and two-photon imaging of calcium signals in single neurons. Mice ran on Styrofoam balls floating on air while viewing one of three different, high-contrast visual stimuli. V1 responses to the stimuli that were viewed by the animal were specifically enhanced, while responses to other stimuli were unaffected. Similar exposure in stationary mice, or in mice in which NMDA receptors were partially blocked, did not significantly enhance responses. These findings indicate that stimulus-specific plasticity in the adult visual cortex depends on concurrent locomotion, presumably as a result of the high-gain state of visual cortex induced by locomotion.

Significance Statement

We report a rapid and persistent increase in visual cortical responses to visual stimuli presented during locomotion in intact mice. We first used a method that is completely non-invasive, intrinsic signal imaging through the intact skull. We then measured the same effects on single neurons using 2-photon calcium imaging and found that the increase in response to a particular stimulus produced by locomotion depends on how well the neuron is initially driven by the stimulus. To our knowledge, this is the first time such enhancement has been described in single neurons or using non-invasive measurements.
mTORC1 in AGRP neurons integrates exteroceptive and interoceptive food-related cues in the modulation of adaptive energy expenditure in mice
Authors: Burke Luke K , Darwish Tamana , Cavanaugh Althea R , Virtue Sam , Roth Emma , Moro Joanna , Liu Shun-Mei , Xia Jing , Dalley Jeffrey W. , Burling Keith , Chua Streamson , Vidal-Puig Toni , Schwartz Gary J , Blouet Clémence
Published: February 2017

Energy dissipation through interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) thermogenesis is an important contributor to adaptive energy expenditure. However, it remains unresolved how acute and chronic changes in energy availability are detected by the brain to adjust iBAT activity and maintain energy homeostasis. Here we provide evidence that AGRP inhibitory tone to iBAT represents an energy-sparing circuit that integrates environmental food cues and internal signals of energy availability. We establish a role for the nutrient-sensing mTORC1 signaling pathway within AGRP neurons in the detection of environmental food cues and internal signals of energy availability, and in the bi-directional control of iBAT thermogenesis during nutrient deficiency and excess. Collectively, our findings provide insights into how mTORC1 signaling within AGRP neurons surveys energy availability to engage iBAT thermogenesis, and identify AGRP neurons as a neuronal substrate for the coordination of energy intake and adaptive expenditure under varying physiological and environmental contexts.
Evolution and manipulation of vector host choice
Authors: Gandon Sylvain
Published: February 2017

The transmission of many animal and plant diseases relies on the behavior of arthropod vectors. In particular, the choice to feed on either infected or uninfected hosts can dramatically affect the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases. I develop an epidemiological model to explore the impact of host choice behavior on the dynamics of these diseases and to examine selection acting on vector behavior, but also on pathogen manipulation of this behavior. This model identifies multiple evolutionary conflicts over the control of this behavior and generates testable predictions under different scenarios. In general, the vector should evolve the ability to avoid infected hosts. However, if the vector behavior is under the control of the pathogen, uninfected vectors should prefer infected hosts while infected vectors should seek uninfected hosts. But some mechanistic constraints on pathogen manipulation ability may alter these predictions. These theoretical results are discussed in the light of observed behavioral patterns obtained on a diverse range of vector-borne diseases. These patterns confirm that several pathogens have evolved conditional behavioral manipulation strategies of their vector species. Other pathogens, however, seem unable to evolve such complex conditional strategies. Contrasting the behavior of infected and uninfected vectors may thus help reveal mechanistic constraints acting on the evolution of the manipulation of vector behavior.
Harnessing Human Connectome Project Data for Replication Studies: A Demonstration for Resting State-Task Network Correspondence
Authors: Nickerson Lisa D.
Published: February 2017

After a series of reports uncovered various methodological problems with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research, considerable attention has been given to principles and practices to improve reproducibility of neuroimaging findings, including promotion of openness, transparency, and data sharing. However, much less attention has been given to use of open access neuroimaging datasets to conduct replication studies. A major barrier to reproducing neuroimaging studies is their high cost, in money and labor, and utilizing such datasets is an obvious solution for breaking down this barrier. The Human Connectome Project (HCP) is an open access dataset consisting of extensive behavioral and neuroimaging data from over 1,100 individuals and there are numerous ongoing HCP-harmonized studies of lifespan and disease that will ultimately release data through HCP infrastructure. To bring attention to the HCP and related projects as an important resource for conducting replication studies, I used the HCP to conduct a replication of a highly cited neuroimaging study that showed correspondence between resting state and task brain networks.
Evaluating the clinical validity of gene-disease associations: an evidence-based framework developed by the Clinical Genome Resource
Authors: Strande Natasha T. , Riggs Erin Rooney , Buchanan Adam H. , Ceyhan-Birsoy Ozge , DiStefano Marina , Dwight Selina S. , Goldstein Jenny , Ghosh Rajarshi , Seifert Bryce A. , Sneddon Tam P. , Wright Matt W. , Milko Laura V. , Cherry J. Michael , Giovanni Monica A. , Murray Michael F. , O’Daniel Julianne M. , Ramos Erin M. , Santani Avni B. , Scott Alan F. , Plon Sharon E. , Rehm Heidi L. , Martin Christa L. , Berg Jonathan S.
Published: February 2017

With advances in genomic sequencing technology, the number of reported gene-disease relationships has rapidly expanded. However, the evidence supporting these claims varies widely, confounding accurate evaluation of genomic variation in a clinical setting. Despite the critical need to differentiate clinically valid relationships from less well-substantiated relationships, standard guidelines for such evaluation do not currently exist. The NIH-funded Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen) has developed a framework to define and evaluate the clinical validity of gene-disease pairs across a variety of Mendelian disorders. In this manuscript we describe a proposed framework to evaluate relevant genetic and experimental evidence supporting or contradicting a gene-disease relationship, and the subsequent validation of this framework using a set of representative gene-disease pairs. The framework provides a semi-quantitative measurement for the strength of evidence of a gene-disease relationship which correlates to a qualitative classification: “Definitive”, “Strong”, “Moderate”, “Limited”, “No Reported Evidence” or “Conflicting Evidence.” Within the ClinGen structure, classifications derived using this framework are reviewed and confirmed or adjusted based on clinical expertise of appropriate disease experts. Detailed guidance for utilizing this framework and access to the curation interface is available on our website. This evidence-based, systematic method to assess the strength of gene-disease relationships will facilitate more knowledgeable utilization of genomic variants in clinical and research settings.
Advances in mass spectrometry based strategies to study receptor tyrosine kinases
Authors: Vyse Simon , Desmond Howard , Huang Paul H.
Published: February 2017

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are key transmembrane environmental sensors that are capable of transmitting extracellular information into phenotypic responses, including cell proliferation, survival and metabolism. Advances in mass spectrometry (MS)-based phosphoproteomics have been instrumental in providing the foundations of much of our current understanding of RTK signalling networks and activation dynamics. Furthermore, new insights relating to the deregulation of RTKs in disease, for instance receptor co-activation and kinome reprogramming, have largely been identified using phosphoproteomic-based strategies. This review outlines the current approaches employed in phosphoproteomic workflows, including phosphopeptide enrichment and MS data-acquisition methods. Here, recent advances in the application of MS-based phosphoproteomics to bridge critical gaps in our knowledge of RTK signalling are focused on. The current limitations of the technology are discussed and emerging areas such as computational modelling, high-throughput phosphoproteomic workflows and next-generation single-cell approaches to further our understanding in new areas of RTK biology are highlighted.
The mechanism behind the selection of two different cleavage sites in NAG-NAM polymers
Authors: Mihelič Marko , Vlahoviček-Kahlina Kristina , Renko Miha , Mesnage Stephane , Doberšek Andreja , Taler-Verčič Ajda , Jakas Andreja , Turk Dušan
Published: February 2017

Peptidoglycan is a giant molecule that forms the cell wall that surrounds bacterial cells. It is composed of alternatingN-acetylglucosamine (NAG) andN-acetylmuramic acid (NAM) residues connected by β-(1,4)-glycosidic bonds and cross-linked with short polypeptide chains. Owing to the increasing antibiotic resistance against drugs targeting peptidoglycan synthesis, studies of enzymes involved in the degradation of peptidoglycan, such asN-acetylglucosaminidases, may expose new, valuable drug targets. The scientific challenge addressed here is how lysozymes, muramidases which are likely to be the most studied enzymes ever, and bacterialN-acetylglucosaminidases discriminate between two glycosidic bonds that are different in sequence yet chemically equivalent in the same NAG-NAM polymers. In spite of more than fifty years of structural studies of lysozyme, it is still not known how the enzyme selects the bond to be cleaved. Using macromolecular crystallography, chemical synthesis and molecular modelling, this study explains how these two groups of enzymes based on an equivalent structural core exhibit a difference in selectivity. The crystal structures ofStaphylococcus aureusN-acetylglucosaminidase autolysin E (AtlE) alone and in complex with fragments of peptidoglycan revealed thatN-acetylglucosaminidases and muramidases approach the substrate at alternate glycosidic bond positions from opposite sides. The recognition pocket for NAM residues in the active site ofN-acetylglucosaminidases may make them a suitable drug target.
The impact of entrepreneurial leadership on innovation management and its measurement validation
Authors: Fontana Avanti , Musa Soebowo
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to validate the measurement of entrepreneurial leadership (EL) in the context of innovation management and strategic entrepreneurship, and to examine the relationship between EL and the innovation process (IP). It proposes the measurement of EL and outlines the reason and the importance of EL in the IP. The study further examines whether the IP would have direct impact on innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for an explanatory and confirmatory study using a quantitative approach employing an online survey/questionnaire distributed to two groups of employees representing middle and senior management having mixed background such as finance, marketing, operations and management. The first group consists of 222 respondents spread across multiple industries, and the second group consists of 60 respondents mainly from the financial services industry to validate the measurement of the EL construct.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights into the validation of EL measurement through two samples, and on the impact of EL in fostering all elements in the IP (i.e. idea generation, idea selection and development or idea conversion and idea diffusion). The paper also confirms some of the literature views on the difficulty of identifying a significant relationship between the IP and innovation performance. It suggests counterintuitively that the IP may not necessarily have a positive relationship with innovation performance.

Research limitations/implications

Most of the respondents were those from the financial services industry, which may have an impact on the overall model but less on the validation of the EL measurement. The research affirms the theoretical concept of the dimensions of EL and validates its measurement. The research also shows intriguing findings on the missing link between the IP and innovation performance. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to identify variables or factors that should link the influence of the IP on innovation performance so that the contribution of innovation management to competitiveness can be clearly identified.

Practical implications

The research validates the measurement of the EL construct, which could be used as a screening tool in measuring the EL capacity at all levels within an organization as part of its leadership development in fostering its IP.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to have a validated measurement of EL and its relationship with the IP.
Innovativeness measures: a bibliometric review and a classification proposal
Authors: Dambiski Gomes de Carvalho Gustavo , Alisson Westarb Cruz June , Gomes de Carvalho Hélio , Carlos Duclós Luiz , de Fátima Stankowitz Rosângela
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Innovation has been widely studied in business and economics, but different innovation and innovativeness measures have been used by scholars. Within this context, this research aims to identify the main innovation and innovativeness measures used by high-impact or recent papers within the past 10 years.

Design/methodology/approach

Regarding methodology, the bibliometric process Proknow-C was used, selecting 26 papers from a sample exceeding 2,000 articles in the Web of Science database.

Findings

Based on the literature review, these articles’ innovativeness measures were classified in terms of inputs, capabilities and outputs. In summary, the articles of the bibliometric portfolio used diverse innovativeness measures comprising inputs (R&D investments, R&D staff qualification, patents, etc.), capabilities and processes (culture, leadership, knowledge, strategy, etc). and outputs (number of innovations, percentage of revenues of innovative products, etc.). Furthermore, a new innovativeness classification was proposed with eight types of organizations considering the presence of inputs, capabilities and outputs.

Research limitations/implications

Although Proknow-C is an established bibliometric process, it naturally has some limitations to select a bibliometric portfolio of approximately 20 articles from a sample exceeding 2,000 articles. The major limitations involve the filters used, such as aligned titles, number of citations in Google Scholar, Pareto principle, aligned abstracts and full text availability.

Originality/value

This research contributes to theory, as it covers high-impact and recent papers concerning innovativeness, specifically by analysing the main measures used and by gathering recommended future research directions, beyond proposing an innovativeness classification. It also contributes to practice, as it gathers diverse innovation measures, which could be used by managers in their organizations.
The role of policy in innovation
Authors: Waluszewski Alexandra , Baraldi Enrico , Perna Andrea
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Contemporary innovation policy investments rests on the assumption that the main problematic interface is the one between the non-business developing setting and a rather friction-free producer and user setting. Given a business landscape characterized by interdependencies, any innovation attempt will be faced with complex interfaces also within and among all these settings. The purpose of this paper is to shed light over this issue through the investigation of the interface between policy and a specific innovation journey. The attention is directed to the creation and distribution of social-material values; and the translation of these values into a monetary dimension.

Design/methodology/approach

To fulfill this aim the authors utilize an empirical study on the commercialization of university research results in the field of solar power technology, based on the ARA model as a conceptual and methodological foundation, with a focus on the establishment of resource combinations, activity links and actor bonds in the involved developing, producing and using settings. In order to pin-point the creation of social-material values and the establishment of a monetary dimension the authors used a model adapted from Håkansson and Olsen (2015).

Findings

From a national policy perspective, the transnational nature of innovation processes and the connectedness of resources across different, often far-away places, entail a loss of control on the social-material and monetary benefits of innovation; even more so if the policy of one country stands against that of another country. Still, not only policy but also representatives for academic research and business seem to consider the transnational aspect as an exception.

Research limitations/implications

Due to that the embedding in the user setting did not occur as expected; with the Swedish focal firm as main interface, but from a Chinese firm that the authors did not have access to, the main focus is on the developing and the producing setting, while the embedding in the user setting is covered through indirect information.

Practical implications

The role that established production structures have for the embedding of innovations into producing and using settings seems to be neglected in policy circles – although these have a strong impact on the creation of social-material value and a monetary flow.

Social implications

See practical implication.

Originality/value

The paper underlines the impact of interfaces with established production structures for the creation of social-material value and monetary flow – and for transnational dimension of the innovation journey.
Relating management problem-solving styles of leaders to TQM focus: an empirical study
Authors: Kumar Vimal , Sharma R.R.K.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a relationship between the leader’s management problem-solving styles (MPSS) and total quality management (TQM) focus.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on C.G. Jung’s (1923) four psychological functions or cognitive styles, which are involved in information gathering and evaluation by sensing, intuitive, thinking, and feeling. The combination of these psychological functions makes possible ways of results: sensing-thinking (ST), sensing-feeling (SF), intuitive-thinking (NT), and intuitive-feeling (NF) for management problem solving. The empirical data for this study were drawn from a survey of 111 firms in India. A one-way analysis of variance approach has been applied for analysis in this study.

Findings

The authors review the extant literature and present a conceptual framework to establish the relationship between different management problem-solving styles and TQM focus. The literature on TQM shows two distinct achievable results: continuous improvement and innovation. The findings of the study support all the hypotheses and the results show that leaders with ST and SF profile are comfortable with the continuous improvement while leaders with NT and NF profile focus on innovation in the organization.

Practical implications

The results of this study emphasize the importance of knowing the appropriate MPSS to TQM focus. The results will help leaders in continuous improvement and innovation to make proper decisions and smooth functions to achieve maximum performance.

Originality/value

This paper can be useful for the organizations to achieve more effective leadership in decision making and improve perception-information model as a leader’s cognitive style. Moreover, this paper also attempts to inspire researchers to include the cognitive styles in studying the effect of the leaders on TQM focus while implementing it effectively in the organizations.
TQM and academic performance in Iraqi HEIs: associations and mediating effect of KM
Authors: Zwain Ammar Abdulameer Ali , Lim Kong Teong , Othman Siti Norezam
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the associations between total quality management (TQM) core elements, knowledge management (KM) processes, and educational organization outcome with respect to academic performance (AP).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a cross-sectional survey design. The survey was conducted on 87 colleges in Iraqi higher-education institutions (HEIs). Four main hypotheses were developed and tested statistically by applying multivariate data analyses.

Findings

The results provided evidence that both TQM core elements and KM processes should be implemented holistically. TQM core elements have a positive and significant impact on both KM processes and AP. Moreover, KM processes partially mediate the association between TQM core elements and AP.

Originality/value

Empirical research on the association between TQM, KM, and performance is very limited. This study provides insights and further understanding of the effect of TQM core elements on KM processes and AP, and therefore, allows decision makers to get in-depth knowledge about these associations and the mediating effect of KM in HEIs context.
A holistic framework to embed good company practice for customer retention
Authors: McCrory Barbara , Pilcher Nick , McMillan Janice
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to detail a holistic practice based guiding framework for improving customer retention, which helps companies instil a customer service culture through encouraging them to concentrate on the three key areas of culture, continuous improvement (CI) and customer service.

Design/methodology/approach

The Delphi technique, using three rounds of hour long in-depth semi-structured interviews at director level across a range of industries. This was done with nine directors, totalling over 30 hours of data requiring in excess of 200 hours to transcribe.

Findings

In order to achieve customer retention, a holistic company approach underpinned by senior management buy-in is critical, with open communication, employee empowerment, and employing “the right” personnel. The framework is viable with specific organisation input and supplementation with ongoing customer research.

Research limitations/implications

The framework has only been tested with the companies in the study, and requires testing in practice. As such, it has not covered the ability of companies to change, but has simply developed a framework to assist in identifying the areas that need to be reviewed when considering changing to focus on the customer.

Practical implications

To use this approach to customer retention requires companies to amalgamate culture, customer service and CI equally alongside customer focussed leadership, as an underpinning for the ethos of the business.

Originality/value

The Delphi technique in an in-depth systemised approach with directors revealed unanticipated and significant insights regarding the benefits of amalgamating and devoting equal weight to the three areas of culture, customer service and CI to improve quality in all these areas
Too important to tamper with: predation risk affects body mass and escape behaviour but not escape ability
Authors: Walters Benjamin T. , Cheng Tin Nok Natalie , Doyle Justin , Guglielmo Chistopher G. , Clinchy Michael , Zanette Liana Y.
Published: February 2017

Escaping from a predator is a matter of life or death, and prey are expected to adaptively alter their physiology under chronic predation risk in ways that may affect escape. Theoretical models assume that escape performance is mass dependent, whereby scared prey strategically maintain an optimal body mass to enhance escape. Experiments testing the mass‐dependent predation risk hypothesis have demonstrated that prior experience of predation risk can affect body mass, and the behavioural decisions about evasive actions to take. Other studies on natural changes in body mass indicate that mass can affect escape. No single experiment has tested if all of these components are indeed linked, which is a critical necessary condition underpinning the mass‐dependent predation risk hypothesis.

We tested all components of the mass‐dependent predation risk hypothesis in a repeated measures experiment by presenting predator and non‐predator cues to brown‐headed cowbirds housed in semi‐natural conditions. Exposure to predator cues affected body mass, fat, pectoral muscle thickness and evasive actions (take‐off angle and speed), but not the physiological capacity to escape, as measured by flying ability. Examining individual variation revealed that flying ability was unrelated to mass loss in either sex, unrelated to mass gain in males, and only females that gained a very large amount of mass flew poorly.

We next conducted a body mass manipulation in the laboratory to rigorously test whether small to large perturbations in mass can ever affect flying ability. We induced either no change in mass (control), a moderate reduction of <10% or a more extreme reduction of >10% which the literature suggests should enhance flight. Flying ability was maintained regardless of treatment. Examining individual variation revealed the same precise patterns as in the first experiment.

We conclude that prey may alter their mass and evasive actions in response to predation risk, but their escape ability remains robust and inelastic, presumably because disabling oneself is likely to lead to disastrous consequences. We suggest that animals may only face a mass‐dependent predation risk trade‐off in a narrow set of circumstances linked to life‐history stages that require large amounts of massgain, for example, parturition and migration.

Alay summaryis available for this article.
High night‐time humidity and dissolved organic carbon content support rapid decomposition of standing litter in a semi‐arid landscape
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Lingli , Wang Xin , Yang Sen , Zhang Beibei , Li Ping , Qiao Chunlian , Deng Meifeng , Liu Weixing
Published: February 2017

Litter in arid and semi‐arid ecosystems usually exhibits a prolonged standing dead phase after senescence; however, we know little about the ways in which abiotic and microbial processes affect standing litter decomposition.

We conducted a 26‐month in situ decomposition experiment in a steppe to investigate the potential mechanisms governing the decomposition of standing litter, and a 192‐day laboratory incubation experiment to further explore the impacts of the standing dead stage on the subsequent litter decomposition and soil organic carbon (SOC) formation after the litter falls to the soil surface.

Compared with soil surface litter, standing litter has higher dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content. Standing litter also experienced higher night‐time relative humidity on its surface, which enhanced litter moisture content. The higher DOC concentration, combined with the greater night‐time moisture content, stimulated more microbial activity in standing litter. The decomposition rate (k) of standing litter was 92% higher than that of soil surface litter. Moreover, the standing phase conditioned the litter, leading to more rapid decomposition after the litter fell to the soil surface, and increasing the efficiency with which the litter formed SOC.

We conclude that the long‐neglected standing phase greatly determines litter decomposition and soil carbon storage in semi‐arid regions. Accounting for standing litter decomposition is critical for accurately simulating carbon turnover in arid and semi‐arid ecosystems.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Unnatural and Violent Death in Cases with High Blood Alcohol Concentration— Autopsy Study
Authors: Cvetković Danica , Živković Vladimir , Lukić Vera , Nikolić Slobodan
Published: February 2017

The use of alcohol increases the risk of dying from unnatural or violent causes. The presented study explored the distribution of age, gender, cause, and circumstances of death in persons who died in an unnatural and violent manner, with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) higher than 0.3 g/dL, and where the cause of death was not alcohol intoxication. We defined the control (0 < BAC < 0.3 g/dL) and study (BAC ≥ 0.3 g/dL) groups, as in subjects with these concentrations, there is a significant risk of gross intoxication, stupor, and death. The subjects from the study group were older, with no difference in gender distribution. Traffic accidents were the most common fatal event in both groups, followed by suicides. Other accidents (choking on food and exposure to fire) were more frequent in the study group. Compared to the control group, subjects from the study group were older persons whose deaths were mainly accidental.
Using Carbon, Oxygen, Strontium, and Lead Isotopes in Modern Human Teeth for Forensic Investigations: A Critical Overview Based on Data from Bulgaria
Authors: Kamenov George D. , Curtis Jason H.
Published: February 2017

Isotopic data obtained from human remains can provide information about an individual's origin, migration, and diet. We evaluate the usefulness of carbon, oxygen, strontium, and lead isotopes for forensic investigations by comparing data from Bulgarian teeth with data from other regions. Geo‐referencing based on oxygen or strontium isotopes can be misleading due to overlap with other countries in Europe and other continents. Carbon and lead isotopes, in combination with oxygen and strontium isotopes, provide the most useful information for identification of local vs foreigner status. In particular, high‐precision Pb isotopes show a distinct “Bulgarian” range; however, it is possible that individuals from other countries in Eastern Europe and/or central to western Asia could have overlapping isotopic values. Additional high‐precision multi‐isotope data from modern humans from different regions in the world are required to transition from speculative to more quantitative estimation of a geographical place of origin for unidentified human remains.
Characteristics of Bone Injuries Resulting from Knife Wounds Incised with Different Forces
Authors: Humphrey Caitlin , Kumaratilake Jaliya , Henneberg Maciej
Published: February 2017

The aim of this research was to experimentally determine the characteristics of incised bone wounds, which are commonly found in defense injuries. A specially constructed pivoting arm device was used to inflict wounds with controlled forces and direction. Five knives were selected to inflict the wounds on porcine forelimbs. Eight incised wounds were made per knife per force. A larger knife and a greater force caused longer and wider bone wounds. Comparisons of individual knives at the two forces produced varying results in the bone wounds. A correlation was seen between the force and the length (r = 0.69), width (r = 0.63), and depth (r = 0.57) of bone wounds. Serrated‐edge and nonserrated knives can be distinguished from the appearance of the wound. The outcomes may be applicable in forensic investigations to ascertain the forces associated with incised wounds and identify the specific knife used.
Structural Characterization and Antifatigue Effect In Vivo of Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) Polysaccharide
Authors: Tang Weimin , Jin Lu , Xie Lianghua , Huang Juqing , Wang Nan , Chu Bingquan , Dai Xulin , Liu Yu , Wang Rui , Zhang Ying
Published: February 2017

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) polysaccharides (MP) with purity of 99.2% were obtained to investigate their structural characteristics and antifatigue effect in vivo. The physicochemical properties of MP were analyzed through high‐performance gel filtration chromatography, IR, monosaccharide composition, methylation, GC‐MS, and NMR analyses. The antifatigue effect of MP was evaluated by using a mouse weight‐loaded swimming model. MP is an acidic heteropolysaccharide with an average molecular weight (Mw) of 793.5 kDa. It is composed of D‐GalA: D‐Glc: L‐Ara: D‐Man: D‐Gal: L‐Rha = 35.07:29.98:16.98:13.01:4.21:0.75 (mol, %). The findings revealed that MP contained β‐1,3‐Galp(A), β‐1,3‐Glcp, and α‐1, 3‐Manp linked alternatingly to form a backbone (5:4:1). MP (above mid‐dosage 50 mg/kg bw/d) could effectively elongate swimming durations and accelerate average swimming speeds (within the 1st 5 min) of mice (P < 0.05) and improve the serous biochemical parameters of mice. Compared with the control model, high‐dosage (100 mg/kg bw/d) MP treatment could significantly enhance glutathione peroxidase and creatine kinase activities (P < 0.05) and decreased lactate dehydrogenase activity (P < 0.01). High‐dosage MP could significantly reduce the levels of blood urea nitrogen, lactic acid, and malondialdehyde (P < 0.05). MP is an acidic polysaccharide with a high D‐GalA content, which could be responsible for the antifatigue effect of maca.
Effects of Tissue Culture and Mycorrhiza Applications in Organic Farming on Concentrations of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Capacities in Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) Rhizomes and Leaves
Authors: Min Byungrok R. , Marsh Lurline E. , Brathwaite Keegan , Daramola Adebola O.
Published: February 2017

Tissue culture and mycorrhiza applications can provide disease‐free seedlings and enhanced nutrient absorption, respectively, for organic farming. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is rich in phytochemicals and has various health‐protective potentials. This study was aimed at determining effects of tissue culture and mycorrhiza applications alone or in combinations in organic farming on phytochemical contents (total phenolics and flavonoids [TP and TF, respectively], gingerol and shogaol homologues, phenolic acids, and carotenoids) and antioxidant capacities (DPPH [2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl] radical scavenging, oxygen radical absorbance (ORAC), and iron‐chelating capacities [ICC]) in solvent‐extractable (Free) and cell‐wall‐matrix‐bound (Bound) fractions of ginger rhizome and Free fraction of the leaves in comparison with non‐organics. Concentrations of the phytochemicals and antioxidant capacities, except for carotenoids and ICC, were significantly higher in organic ginger rhizomes and leaves than in non‐organics regardless of the fractions and treatments (P < 0.05). Mycorrhiza application in organic farming significantly increased levels of TP, TF, gingerols, and ORAC in the Free fraction of the rhizome (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the combined application of tissue culture and mycorrhiza significantly increased concentrations of TF and gingerols and ORAC in the Free fraction of the rhizome (P < 0.05), suggesting their synergistic effects. Considerable amounts of phenolics were found in the Bound fractions of the rhizomes. Six‐gingerol, ferulic acid, and lutein were predominant ones among gingerols, phenolic acids, and carotenoids, respectively, in ginger rhizomes. The results suggest that organic farming with mycorrhiza and tissue culture applications can increase concentrations of phytochemicals and antioxidant capacities in ginger rhizomes and leaves and therefore improve their health‐protective potentials.
Mind the gap: mechanisms regulating the endothelial barrier
Authors: Radeva M. Y. , Waschke J.
Published: February 2017

The endothelial barrier consists of intercellular contacts localized in the cleft between endothelial cells, which is covered by the glycocalyx in a sievelike manner. Both types of barrier‐forming junctions, i.e. the adherens junction (AJ) serving mechanical anchorage and mechanotransduction and the tight junction (TJ) sealing the intercellular space to limit paracellular permeability, are tethered to the actin cytoskeleton. Under resting conditions, the endothelium thereby builds a selective layer controlling the exchange of fluid and solutes with the surrounding tissue. However, in the situation of an inflammatory response such as in anaphylaxis or sepsis intercellular contacts disintegrate in post‐capillary venules leading to intercellular gap formation. The resulting oedema can cause shock and multi‐organ failure. Therefore, maintenance as well as coordinated opening and closure of interendothelial junctions is tightly regulated. The two principle underlying mechanisms comprise spatiotemporal activity control of the small GTPases Rac1 and RhoA and the balance of the phosphorylation state of AJ proteins. In the resting state, junctional Rac1 and RhoA activity is enhanced by junctional components, actin‐binding proteins, cAMP signalling and extracellular cues such as sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) and angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1). In addition, phosphorylation of AJ components is prevented by junction‐associated phosphatases including vascular endothelial protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE‐PTP). In contrast, inflammatory mediators inhibiting cAMP/Rac1 signalling cause strong activation of RhoA and induce AJ phosphorylation finally leading to endocytosis and cleavage of VE‐cadherin. This results in dissolution of TJs the outcome of which is endothelial barrier breakdown.
Effects of xylanase supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, fecal microbiota, fecal score and fecal noxious gas emission of weaning pigs fed corn‐soybean meal‐based diet
Authors: Lan Ruixia , Li Tianshui , Kim Inho
Published: February 2017

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of xylanase supplementation on nutrient digestibility, growth performance, blood parameters, fecal microflora shedding, fecal score and fecal noxious gas emission of weaning pigs fed corn‐soybean meal based diet. A total of 150 weaning pigs with an average initial body weight (BW) of 7.85 ± 0.93 kg were randomly allocated to three treatments based on BW and sex (10 replicate pens with five pigs, two gilts and three barrows) were used in this 42‐day trial. Dietary treatments were: (1) CON, basal diet; (2) X1, basal diet +0.005% xylanase; (2) X2, basal diet +0.01% xylanase. The xylanase supplementation linearly increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG), and gain : feed ratio (G:F) from days 29 to 42 and the in overall period, dry matter, nitrogen and energy digestibility, and fecal Lactobacilli counts, and linearly decreased (P < 0.05) blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration, fecal NH3 and H2S emission. Additionally, at weeks 5 and 6, there was a linear decrease in fecal score with xylanase supplementation. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of xylanase improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, shifted microbiota by increasing fecal Lactobacillus counts, decreased BUN concentration, fecal score, and fecal NH3 and H2S emission in weaning pigs.