bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A pseudogene of caffeic acid-o-methyltransferase (COMT) in Acacia mangium: Comparative analysis with other COMT plant promoters
Authors: Abdul Latif Azmah , Tam Sheh May , Ratnam Wickneswari 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTAcacia mangium is a prominent tree species in the forest plantation industry of Southeast Asia, grown mainly to produce pulp and paper, and to a lesser extent wood chips and solid wood products. Lignin, a natural complex polymer used by plants for structural support and defence, has to be chemically removed during the production of quality paper. Delignification is very expensive and moreover, is an environmental pollutant. Understanding the complex mechanisms that underlie the regulation of lignin biosynthetic genes requires in-depth knowledge of not only the genes involved but also their regulatory elements. Using Thermal Asymmetric Interlaced PCR, a 770 bp promoter sequence with 93% identity with COMT1 gene from Acacia auriculiformis × A. mangium hybrid was isolated from A. mangium. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the presence of cis acting elements commonly found in other lignin biosynthesis genes such as TATA box, CAAT box, W box, AC-I and AC-11 elements. However, a nonsense mutation that created a premature stop codon was found on the first exon. Modelling of MYB transcription factor binding site on this newly isolated pseudogene shows it has binding sites for important transcription factors involved in lignin biosynthesis both in Arabidopsis thaliana and Eucalyptus grandis. Given the remarkable structures of its regulatory region, the possible structure of its transcript was detected using Mfold. Results show the transcript are capable of forming stem loop structures, a characteristic commonly attributed to presence of miRNA. Possible functions of pseudoAmCOMT1 were discussed.
Selective and context-dependent social and behavioral effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in weakly electric fish
Authors: Neeley Brandon , Overholt Tyler , Artz Emily , Kinsey Steven G , Marsat Gary 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCannabinoid (CB) receptors are widespread in the nervous system and influence a variety of behaviors. Weakly electric fish has been a useful model system in the study of the neural basis of behavior but we know nothing of the role played by the CB system. Here, we determine the overall behavioral effect of a CB receptor agonist (i.e., Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, THC) in the weakly electric fish A. leptorhynchus. Using various behavioral paradigms involving social stimuli, we show that THC decreases locomotor behavior as in many species and influences the communication and social behavior. Across the different experiments we found that the propensity to emit communication signals (chirps) and to seek social interactions was affected in a context-dependent manner. We explicitly tested this hypothesis by comparing the behavioral effects of THC injection in fish placed in a novel versus familiar social and physical environments. THC-injected fish were less likely to chirp than control in familiar situation but not in novel ones. The tendency to be in close proximity was affected only in novel environments whith control fish clustering more than THC-injected ones. By identifying behaviors affected by CB agonists, our study can guide further comparative and neurophysiological studies of the role of the CB system using weakly electric fish as a model.
Identification of general patterns of sex-biased expression inDaphnia, a genus with environmental sex determination
Authors: Molinier Cécile , Reisser Céline M.O. , Fields Peter , Ségard Adeline , Galimov Yan , Haag Christoph R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDaphniareproduce by cyclic-parthenogenesis, where phases of asexual reproduction are intermitted by sexual production of diapause stages. This life cycle, together with environmental sex determination, allow the comparison of gene expression between genetically identical males and females. We investigated gene expression differences between males and females in four genotypes ofDaphnia magnaand compared the results with published data on sex-biased gene expression in two otherDaphniaspecies, each representing one of the major phylogenetic clades within the genus. We found that 42% of all annotated genes showed sex-biased expression inD. magna. This proportion is similar both to estimates from otherDaphniaspecies as well as from species with genetic sex determination, suggesting that sex-biased expression is not reduced under environmental sex determination. Among 7453 single copy, one-to-one orthologs in the threeDaphniaspecies, 707 consistently showed sex-biased expression and 675 were biased in the same direction in all three species. Hence these genes represent a core-set of genes with consistent sex-differential expression in the genus. A functional analysis identified that several of them are involved in known sex determination pathways. Moreover, 75% were overexpressed in females rather than males, a pattern that appears to be a general feature of sex-biased gene expression inDaphnia.Short summaryIn some species with environmental sex determination, gene expression can be compared between genetically identical males and females. Here, we investigated sex-biased expression in one such species,D. magna, and compared it with data from two congeners. We found that all three species have a common set of 675 genes with consistent differential expression and with a strong bias towards overexpression in females rather than males. Moreover, the proportion of sex-biased genes in each of the threeDaphniaspecies was similar toDrosophilaspecies with genetic sex determination, suggesting that sex-biased expression is not necessarily reduced under environmental sex determination.
The effects of innovation speed and quality on differentiation and low-cost competitive advantage
Authors: Le Phong Ba , Lei Hui 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to verify the effect of organizational learning (OL) and two specific aspects of innovation, innovation speed and innovation quality, on competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling has been applied to test the degree of influence of OL and innovation on two types of competitive advantage (differentiation and low-cost advantage) using data collected from 279 Chinese firms.FindingsThe findings show that innovation speed and quality play mediating roles in the relationship between OL and competitive advantage. In general, while innovation speed has greater effects on low-cost competitive advantage, OL and innovation quality have greater effects on differentiation competitive advantage.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper offers directors/managers a deeper understanding of the factors necessary to promote competitive advantage in their firms.Practical implicationsThis paper offers CEOs/managers a deeper understanding of the necessary factors needed to promote competitive advantage in their firms.Originality/valueThis paper provides practical and theoretical initiatives on innovation and competitive advantage that can be used to promote specific aspects of innovation and build up competitive advantage for relevant organizations.
Design and analysis of cantilever based piezoelectric vibration energy harvester
Authors: Savarimuthu Kirubaveni , Sankararajan Radha , M. Gulam Nabi Alsath , Roji M. Ani Melfa 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to present the design of a cantilever beam with various kinds of geometries for application in energy harvesting devices with a view to enhance the harvested power. The cantilever beams in rectangular, triangular and trapezoidal geometries are simulated, designed and evaluated experimentally. A power conditioning circuit is designed and fabricated for rectification and regulation.

Design/methodology/approach
The analytical model based on Euler–Bernoulli beam theory is analyzed for various cantilever geometries. The aluminum beam with Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) 5H strip is used for performing frequency, displacement, strain distribution, stress and potential analysis. A comparative analysis is done based on the estimated performance of the cantilevers with different topologies of 4,500 mm3 volume.

Findings
The analysis shows the trapezoidal cantilever yielding a maximum voltage of 66.13 V at 30 Hz. It exhibits maximum power density of 171.29 W/mm3 at optimal resistive load of 330 kΩ. The generated power of 770.8 µW is used to power up a C-mote wireless sensor network.

Originality/value
This study provides a complete structural analysis and implementation of the cantilever for energy harvesting application, integration of power conditioning circuit with the energy harvester and evaluation of the designed cantilevers under various performance metrics.
Positive and negative behaviours resulting from brand attachment
Authors: Japutra Arnold , Ekinci Yuksel , Simkin Lyndon 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between brand attachment and consumers’ positive and negative behaviours. Furthermore, this study examines the moderating effects of attachment styles on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on a survey of 432 respondents, and the data are analysed using the structural equation modelling approach.

Findings
This study empirically supports that brand attachment and attachment styles (i.e. anxiety attachment and avoidance attachment) are distinct. Brand attachment influences consumers’ not only positive behaviour (i.e. brand loyalty) but also negative behaviours, such as trash-talking, schadenfreude and anti-brand actions. The findings of the study suggest that only avoidance attachment style moderates the relationships between brand attachment and these consumer behaviours. The link between brand attachment and brand loyalty is attenuated for high-attachment-avoidance consumers. In contrast, the links between brand attachment and trash-talking, schadenfreude and anti-brand actions are strengthened.

Practical implications
This study assists marketing managers in understanding that a strong brand attachment may result in negative behaviours that can harm a company’s brand image. Thus, building a strong relationship with consumers will not always be beneficial. Companies should be aware of the consequences of building relationships with consumers who have a high level of attachment anxiety and/or avoidance.

Originality/value
This paper highlights that brand attachment not only influences brand loyalty behaviour but also three negative behaviours: trash-talking, schadenfreude and anti-brand actions. Moreover, the links between brand attachment and negative behaviours are strengthened when consumers have a high level of attachment avoidance.
An integrated approach to assess the vulnerability to erosion in mangroves using GIS models in a tropical coastal protected area
Authors: Vieira José Guilherme Moreira Simões , Salgueiro Joana , Soares Amadeu Mortágua Velho da Maia , Azeiteiro Ulisses , Morgado Fernando 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThe development of models that allows the evaluation and prediction of erosion processes is an important tool for the management and planning of coastal systems. Mangrove forests systems are under threat by the impacts of erosion, which is also intensified by human activity (and aggravated in the scenarios of global warming and climate change). The purpose of this paper is to develop a model of geographic information systems (GIS) that can be used for any estuary area, but it can also be used for mangroves.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses georeferentiation which is defined as a set of parameters that best characterize the mangrove areas: elevation (m); geomorphology; geology; land cover; anthropogenic activities; distance to the coastline (m) and maximum tidal range (m). Three different methods are used to combine the various vulnerability parameters, namely, DRASTIC index, analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and square root of the geometric mean.FindingsThe three approaches presented in this work show different types evaluating vulnerability to erosion, highlighting a stronger overvaluation of the areas presented with a high vulnerability, through the use of DRASTIC index when compared with two other approaches. The use of the AHP shows similarity to the square root of the geometric mean model, but the AHP also presents a higher percentage of vulnerable areas classified as having medium to very high vulnerability. On the other hand, the use of square root of the geometric mean led to a higher percentage of areas classified as having low and very low vulnerability.Research limitations/implicationsThese three qualitative models, based on a cognitive approach, using the set of parameters defined in this research, are a good tool for the spatial distribution of erosion in different mangroves in the world.Originality/valueGlobal warming and climate change scenarios require adaptation and mitigation options supported by science-based strategies and solutions.
Consumers’ valuation of academic and deprivation-compensating aspects of school performance in England
Authors: Andreou Sofia 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the willingness of households to pay for academic and deprivation-compensating components of the Contextual Value Added (CVA) indicator of school quality used in England in order to locate themselves in the catchment area of state schools. Deprivation-compensating school performance, defined as the difference in the disadvantaged intake between two schools with the same academic performance.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical analysis, based on data drawn from three independent UK data sources, used parametric and non-parametric analysis approaches. The analysis conducted separately for primary and secondary schools, because household behaviour can differ between these two levels of education.FindingsConsumers are willing to pay for houses in the catchment area of primary and secondary schools with high academic achievement, as measured by the mean score; whereas, the component of the CVA indicating deprivation-compensating aspects of school performance is found to have a positive effect only on the price of houses in the catchment area of primary schools in London; its impact on the price of houses elsewhere is mostly negative.Practical implicationsThe analysis in this study suggested that the recently adopted practice of using CVA as a measure of school quality in England can encourage government and Local Authorities to pay more attention to raising the deprivation-compensating aspects of school performance of their schools.Originality/valueThis is the first study to explore the value which households attach to deprivation-compensating outcomes, at a given level of academic performance using the CVA indicator.
Designing a conceptual methodology for structuration research
Authors: Makrygiannakis Georgios , Jack Lisa 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the application of social theory as conceptual methodology in the design of case study research.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors examine how social theory can be used to design case study research when the choice of theory is made before or during the empirical enquiry. Rather than simply presenting the elements of design, the focus is on the ways the elements relate and connect to each other, i.e. how a researcher can design each step to facilitate the work that needs to be done in the others.

Findings
A circular research design starts and finishes with the theory. The conceptual tools that social theories offer can be used to guide researchers into the empirical field and out of it. A conceptually driven design facilitates the interconnection between the various steps of a research project and can keep theory, research problem and data closely connected.

Research limitations/implications
There is a role for systematic research design in interpretative case studies in management accounting and control. Although this paper uses strong structuration theory, the circular design proposed can be applied for other social theories and methodologies where an abductive approach is appropriate.

Originality/value
There are very few papers that explicitly demonstrate the implications of research design choices in case study research. In particular, the authors contribute to discussions on the conduct of interpretative research in management control and demonstrate that, especially for structuration theory, a conceptual methodology approach to research design, data collection and analysis can lead to theoretical insight.
Is the medium the message?
Authors: Lodhia Sumit 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to consider the vital role that the medium for communication plays in the sustainability reporting process and provides an agenda for advancing research in this area.

Design/methodology/approach
This is a theoretical paper that draws upon previous literature to highlight that the newer communication media extends the capabilities of traditional media and provides insights into future research directions.

Research limitations/implications
This paper highlights that communication medium has a critical role in sustainability reporting and changes the dynamics of such reporting, leading to a change in the research approaches to study this phenomenon.

Practical implications
The paper has implications for practitioners in relation to the use of various communication media for sustainability reporting.

Social implications
The paper highlights that modern information and communication technologies transform reporting into communication, thereby providing potential for enhancing the engagement of stakeholders with a corporation.

Originality/value
This paper suggests that the role of the communication medium is integral to the communication of sustainability issues to stakeholders and that future research needs to justify the choice of the medium used for sustainability reporting studies.
Implications of corporate accountability on civil society
Authors: Alexander David , Tiron-Tudor Adriana , Dragu Ioana 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to focus on corporate accountability, analysing the case of Rosia Montana Gold Corporation (RMGC) from the perspective of civil society, acting as a significant stakeholder.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors ground the research on legitimacy theory, as the paper presents the company’s efforts to obtain the approval/legitimacy from one of its main vocal stakeholders: civil society. The paper presents the historical background of the Rosia Montana region, and then explains the stages of the RMGC project development, together with the company’s actions to be recognised by the local environment. They also investigate the corporate reports issued by Rosia Montana Gold Corporation, especially in and after 2010.

Findings
The results show that RMGC failed to gain the legitimacy of the Romanian society, and the authors discuss causes and implications.

Originality/value
This research brings a valuable contribution to the corporate reporting literature, being one of the first studies on the state of reporting in Romania in the mining sector, analysing the implications of the relationship between corporate accountability and civil society.
A rubric and methodology for benchmarking referral goals
Authors: Ward David , Jacoby JoAnn 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to identify more advanced criteria for identifying referral opportunities and improve understanding of when to refer through developing and defining distinct question categories and related criteria.

Design/methodology/approach
Chat transcripts were analyzed and coded using a rubric developed on the basis of published research and original criteria developed for the study. Coding focused on whether a referral was made, if an opportunity was missed (termed “referral gap”), and what factors influenced its presence or absence.

Findings
Quantitative and qualitative factors that influence when referrals are successfully made were identified. Questions higher on the reference effort assessment data scale and those relating to subject-based research tended to have a higher referral gap, while the presence of instruction in evaluating resources had a positive impact on referrals being made. Recognizing patron-based factors such as knowledge of library policies also impacted the presence of referrals.

Research limitations/implications
Limitations include the data, which were taken from a single institution and primarily reflect questions occurring in academic libraries.

Practical implications
Suggestions are provided for training and reference management approaches to improve the presence, substance and quality of referrals.

Originality/value
The study introduces a new measure for evaluating referrals, termed the “referral gap.” The methodology also expands on traditional data points used to measure when referrals should occur, which typically focus on patron and staff affiliations.
Seeing through the network
Authors: Savard Dany 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate upper-undergraduate and graduate students’ perceptions of interdisciplinarity in relation to their information-seeking habits by analyzing their beliefs, rationalizations and preferences around the retrieval, evaluation and use of information sources for interdisciplinary research.

Design/methodology/approach
This study made use of focus group interviews with 18 student participants enrolled in different academic programs in the humanities and social sciences at a research university in Toronto. Transcript data were analyzed through use of the constant comparison method.

Findings
Students perceive the classification of library collections as both helpful and problematic in their pursuits of interdisciplinary work. Students believe that knowing how to identify appropriate terminology while navigating scholarly and non-scholarly environments is crucial to their success in interdisciplinary research. Librarians can adjust their service philosophies and research tools to better anticipate the needs of students engaged in interdisciplinary research.

Originality/value
This paper adds to the literature by providing library practitioners and other interested parties with a unique view of how undergraduate and graduate students contextualize their information needs when undertaking interdisciplinary research work.