bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of short hairpin RNAs using the compact architecture of retroviral microRNA genes
Authors: Burke James M. , Kincaid Rodney P. , Aloisio Francesca , Welch Nicole , Sullivan Christopher S. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractShort hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) are effective in generating stable repression of gene expression. RNA polymerase III (RNAP III) type III promoters (U6 or H1) are typically used to drive shRNA expression. While useful for some knockdown applications, the robust expression of U6/H1-driven shRNAs can induce toxicity and generate heterogeneous small RNAs with undesirable off-target effects. Additionally, the U6 and H1 promoters encompass the majority of the ∼270 base pairs (bp) of vector space required for shRNA expression. This can limit the efficacy and/or number of delivery vector options, particularly when delivery of multiple gene/shRNA combinations is required. Here, we develop a compact shRNA (cshRNA) expression system based on retroviral microRNA (miRNA) gene architecture that uses RNAP III type II promoters. We demonstrate that cshRNAs coded from as little as 100 bps of total coding space can precisely generate small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that are active in the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). We provide an algorithm with a user-friendly interface to design cshRNAs for desired target genes. This cshRNA expression system reduces the coding space required for shRNA expression by greater than two-fold as compared to the U6/H1 promoters, which may facilitate therapeutic RNAi applications where delivery vector space is limiting.
Obesity/Type II Diabetes Alters Macrophage Polarization Resulting in a Fibrotic Tendon Healing Response
Authors: Ackerman Jessica E , Geary Michael B , Orner Caitlin A , Bawany Fatima , Loiselle Alayna E 
Published: April 2017

AbstractType II Diabetes (T2DM) dramatically impairs the tendon healing response, resulting in decreased collagen organization and mechanics relative to non-diabetic tendons. Despite this burden, there remains a paucity of information regarding the mechanisms that govern impaired healing of diabetic tendons.Mice were placed on either a high fat diet (T2DM) or low fat diet (lean) and underwent flexor tendon transection and repair surgery. Healing was assessed via mechanical testing, histology and changes in gene expression associated with collagen synthesis, matrix remodeling, and macrophage polarization. Obese/diabetic tendons healed with increased scar formation and impaired mechanical properties. Consistent with this, prolonged and excess expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components were observed in obese/T2DM tendons. Macrophages are involved in both inflammatory and matrix deposition processes during healing. Obese/T2DM tendons healed with increased expression of markers of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, and elevated and prolonged expression of M2 macrophages markers that are involved in ECM deposition. Here we demonstrate that tendons from obese/diabetic mice heal with increased scar formation and increased M2 polarization, identifying excess M2 macrophage activity and matrix synthesis as a potential mechanism of the fibrotic healing phenotype observed in T2DM tendons, and as such a potential target to improve tendon healing in T2DM.
Past, present and future of contact centers: a literature review
Authors: Saberi Morteza , Khadeer Hussain Omar , Chang Elizabeth 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
Contact centers (CCs) are one of the main touch points of customers in an organization. They form one of the inputs to customer relationship management (CRM) to enable an organization to efficiently resolve customer queries. CCs have an important impact on customer satisfaction and are a strategic asset for CRM systems. The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature on CCs and identify their shortcomings to be addressed in the current digital age.

Design/methodology/approach
The current literature on CCs can be classified into the analytical and the managerial aspects of CCs. In the former, data mining, text mining, and voice recognition techniques are discussed, and in the latter, staff training, CC performance, and outsourced CCs are discussed.

Findings
With the growth of information and communication technologies, the information that CCs must handle both in terms of type and volume, has changed. To deal with such changes, CCs need to evolve in terms of their operation and public relations. The authors present a state-of-the-art review of the challenges in identifying the gaps in order to have the next generation of CCs. Lack of an interactive CC and lack of data integrity for CCs are highlighted as important issues that need to be dealt with properly by CCs.

Originality/value
As far as the authors know, this is the first paper that reviews CCs’ literature by providing the comprehensive survey, critical evaluation, and future research.
Big data analytics: transforming data to action
Authors: Bumblauskas Daniel , Nold Herb , Bumblauskas Paul , Igou Amy 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual model for the transformation of big data sets into actionable knowledge. The model introduces a framework for converting data to actionable knowledge and mitigating potential risk to the organization. A case utilizing a dashboard provides a practical application for analysis of big data.

Design/methodology/approach
The model can be used both by scholars and practitioners in business process management. This paper builds and extends theories in the discipline, specifically related to taking action using big data analytics with tools such as dashboards.

Findings
The authors’ model made use of industry experience and network resources to gain valuable insights into effective business process management related to big data analytics. Cases have been provided to highlight the use of dashboards as a visual tool within the conceptual framework.

Practical implications
The literature review cites articles that have used big data analytics in practice. The transitions required to reach the actionable knowledge state and dashboard visualization tools can all be deployed by practitioners. A specific case example from ESP International is provided to illustrate the applicability of the model.

Social implications
Information assurance, security, and the risk of large-scale data breaches are a contemporary problem in society today. These topics have been considered and addressed within the model framework.

Originality/value
The paper presents a unique and novel approach for parsing data into actionable knowledge items, identification of viruses, an application of visual dashboards for identification of problems, and a formal discussion of risk inherent with big data.
Let’s stop trying to be “sexy” – preparing managers for the (big) data-driven business era
Authors: Carillo Kevin Daniel André 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the inadequacies of current business education in the tackling of the educational challenges inherent to the advent of a data-driven business world. It presents an analysis of the implications of digitization and more specifically big data analytics (BDA) and data science (DS) on organizations with a special emphasis on decision-making processes and the function of managers. It argues that business schools and other educational institutions have well responded to the need to train future data scientists but have rather disregarded the question of effectively preparing future managers for the new data-driven business era.

Design/methodology/approach
The approach involves analysis and review of the literature.

Findings
The development of analytics skills shall not pertain to data scientists only, it must rather become an organizational cultural component shared among all employees and more specifically among decision makers: managers. In the data-driven business era, managers turn into manager-scientists who shall possess skills at the crossroad of data management, analytical/modeling techniques and tools, and business. However, the multidisciplinary nature of big data analytics and data science (BDADS) seems to collide with the dominant “functional silo design” that characterizes business schools. The scope and breadth of the radical digitally enabled change, the author are facing, may necessitate a global questioning about the nature and structure of business education.

Research limitations/implications
For the sake of transparency and clarity, academia and the industry must join forces to standardize the meaning of the terms surrounding big data. BDA/DS training programs, courses, and curricula shall be organized in such a way that students shall interact with an array of specialists providing them a broad enough picture of the big data landscape. The multidisciplinary nature of analytics and DS necessitates to revisit pedagogical models by developing experiential learning and implementing a spiral-shaped pedagogical approach. The attention of scholars is needed as there exists an array of unexplored research territories. This investigation will help bridge the gap between education and the industry.

Practical implications
The findings will help practitioners understand the educational challenges triggered by the advent of the data-driven business era. The implications will also help develop effective trainings and pedagogical strategies that are better suited to prepare future professionals for the new data-driven business world.

Originality/value
By demonstrating how the advent of a data-driven business era is impacting the function and role of managers, the paper initiates a debate revolving around the question about how business schools and higher education shall evolve to better tackle the educational challenges associated with BDADS training. Elements of response and recommendations are then provided.
Examining the adoption of big data and analytics curriculum
Authors: McLeod Alexander J. , Bliemel Michael , Jones Nancy 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the demand for big data and analytics curriculum, provide an overview of the curriculum available from the SAP University Alliances program, examine the evolving usage of such curriculum, and suggest an academic research agenda for this topic.

Design/methodology/approach
In this work, the authors reviewed recent academic utilization of big data and analytics curriculum in a large faculty-driven university program by examining school hosting request logs over a four-year period. The authors analyze curricula usage to determine how changes in big data and analytics are being introduced to academia.

Findings
Results indicate that there is a substantial shift toward curriculum focusing on big data and analytics.

Research limitations/implications
Because this research only considered data from one proprietary software vendor, the scope of this project is limited and may not generalize to other university software support programs.

Practical implications
Faculty interested in creating or furthering their business process programs to include big data and analytics will find practical information, materials, suggestions, as well as a research and curriculum development agenda.

Originality/value
Faculty interested in creating or furthering their programs to include big data and analytics will find practical information, materials, suggestions, and a research and curricula agenda.
Emerging trends in entrepreneurial universities within Mediterranean regions
Authors: Lombardi Rosa , Lardo Alessandra , Cuozzo Benedetta , Trequattrini Raffaele 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The aim of this paper is to investigate the new role that universities are assuming as entrepreneurial entities supporting the development of regional innovation systems through an international comparison, in order to address the demand for global competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to compare how some universities of the Mediterranean area and of South-East Asia conceive and implement an entrepreneurial culture through their curricula, conducting a two-way comparison between Italy and Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach
The methodology consists of a multi-method approach, based on a comparative analysis which involves the use of a narrative style and a content analysis carried out on the Italian and Singaporean entrepreneurship programmes. The method consists of comparing different systems with similar characteristics, with an analysis focused on particularly relevant environmental factors, to find an explanation about how an innovative way of teaching entrepreneurship to students can affect the development of regional innovative systems.

Findings
The study analyses the Italian and Singaporean environmental factors that are helpful in understanding the basis for the promotion of an entrepreneurial attitude, and the end result of the paper is to set out the differences in the evolvement of entrepreneurial universities and innovative teaching programmes between the two countries being analysed. The research uses an international comparison to investigate the relationships between a set of variables that influence government authorities, leading them to invest in programmes on entrepreneurship.

Originality/value
Studying the Singaporean experience, one of the leading Nation investor in entrepreneurial education, is useful in highlighting limits of less advanced higher education systems and in helping them to encourage an entrepreneurial culture.
Examining the antecedents and the effects of CSR implementation: an explanatory study
Authors: Chatzoglou Prodromos , Chatzoudes Dimitrios , Amarantou Vasiliki , Aggelidis Vassilios 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a concept with increasing importance for global and local organisations. Despite its importance, there is still lack in the understanding of its complete role, within and outside organisational boundaries. The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test a conceptual framework (research model) that examines the antecedents (drivers) and the effects of CSR implementation.

Design/methodology/approach
The proposed conceptual framework was tested, using a newly developed structured questionnaire, in a sample of 80 large private Greek organisations. Key respondents were the executive managers of these organisations. The reliability and the validity of the questionnaire were thoroughly examined, while research hypotheses were tested using the “Structural Equation Modelling” technique.

Findings
Research findings suggest that three factors (“CSR awareness”, “relevant cost of CSR”, “appropriateness of CSR strategies”) have a direct effect on CSR implementation, while one factor (“knowledge of CSR”) has an indirect effect, through “CSR awareness”. On the other hand, CSR implementation seems to have a positive effect on “employee commitment”, “customer satisfaction” and “company reputation”. It should be underlined that these results reflect the opinions expressed by the top management of the companies that participated in the study.

Originality/value
The present study proposes an original, three-dimensional, conceptual framework that examines both the antecedents and the effects of ERP implementation. Such a multidimensional approach has randomly been attempted in the existing literature. Second, the present study examines the subject of CSR in an economy under crisis. This approach is rather unique among previous empirical studies of the same field. Third, the results of the present study may be generalised in other countries with similar economic realities and characteristics (e.g. Cyprus, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Ireland). Finally, the study offers specific managerial implications to business executives.
The opaque gendered lens – barriers to recruitment and career development
Authors: Scholten Christina , Witmer Hope 
Published: April 2017

PurposeThis paper aims to reveal gendered leadership constructs that hinder a competency-based view of leadership in Swedish-based global companies and the implications for leadership recruitment and development to top management positions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on qualitative semi-structured interviews, which have been analyzed using a gender analytic framework to identify how senior management, Human resource management and leadership trainees are discussing leadership and career development.FindingsThree themes were identified as clouding the issue of gender-equal leadership practices thereby creating an opaque gendered lens of who is defined as eligible for leadership positions. The three themes were: symbols as gendered images, counting heads – preserving the existing system and illusive gender inclusion.Research limitations/implicationsRecruitment practices were identified as contributors to homosocial practices that perpetuate male-dominated leadership representation. However, specific recruitment practices were not fully explored.Practical implicationsThe potential use of gender equality as a sustainable management practice for competitive organizations to recruit and develop talented people.Social implicationsTo create resilient and gender-equal recruitment and leadership development practices.Originality/valueThis research offers an original perspective on gender representation at the senior management level in global companies by revealing gendered leadership constructs in the leadership recruitment and development process as antecedents to unequal gender representation in senior management positions.
Cracking the walls of leadership: women in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hodges Julie 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the obstacles to women’s advancement in Saudi Arabia. The paper addresses the question “what are women’s experiences of becoming leaders and what influences their leadership practice?” It does this by drawing on gender and Middle Eastern literature, as well as empirical evidence of the perceptions, experience and challenges of women in Saudi.

Design/methodology/approach
The study contributes a consideration of the academic literature, supported by empirical findings from 25 interviews with professional women in Saudi Arabia. The data identify the perceptions, experiences and challenges of professional women in Saudi. It concludes by outlining the practical need for the review and promotion of policies to eradicate inequalities in the workplace.

Findings
The data show that the challenges faced by professional women in Saudi Arabia are social, religious, cultural and organizational. The findings reveal that women’s relationship to self, others, place and work are key influencers in how they perceive and experience leadership. The findings also indicate the need for a review and promotion of policies to eradicate inequalities which prevent women from becoming leaders.

Research limitations/implications
The research limitations are that it focuses on a small number of professional women in Saudi Arabia (n = 25). However, Saudi Arabia is a country where research access is difficult; therefore, this research has significant implications for beginning to understand women and their experience of leadership in Saudi. It also addresses a gap in the scant research which does exist in this area.

Practical implications
The study highlights that unless significant barriers are removed, women will not progress to higher leadership positions in organizations. The future role of women as leaders in Saudi Arabia will require society, organizations and women themselves to change the traditional role-expectations of women. The paper considers what can be done to create a more levelled platform for women to operate in organizations at senior levels.

Social implications
The findings and recommendations will prove useful in raising awareness among policymakers and practitioners regarding the experiences and the obstacles faced by women in Saudi Arabia because of the social, religious and culture context in which they live.

Originality/value
This study contributes to enriching the gender and leadership literature in a country that has been poorly addressed so far. Its originality lies in the context of Saudi Arabia. The research is significant in that, in examining women’s perceptions of the challenges and opportunities of leadership in the workplace, it provides an understanding of women’s experience of leadership in Saudi that has not previously been considered in the literature on women in the Middle East. This study therefore contributes to understanding the how and why of leadership by listening to the ways in which women learn and practise leadership.
Structural colors of fabric from Ag/TiO2 composite films prepared by magnetron sputtering deposition
Authors: Yuan Xiaohong , Xu Wenzheng , Huang Fenglin , Wang Qingqing , Wei Qufu , Chen Dongsheng 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
Structural color is more brilliant in color, more resistant to sunshine and will not fade away with time, and more environmental friendly than traditional dyes and pigments. The purpose of this paper is to prepare structural colors of fabrics coated with Ag/TiO2 composite films by magnetron sputtering, and analyze the relationship between the colors and the thicknesses of TiO2 films in Ag/TiO2 composite films.

Design/methodology/approach
Preparation of Ag/TiO2 composite films by magnetron sputtering and their deposition on textiles were investigated. The chemical compositions and surface morphology of Ag/TiO2 composite films were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and the structural color of fabric coated with Ag/TiO2 composite film was also analyzed.

Findings
Ag/TiO2 composite films deposited on textile substrate exhibited structural colors, and the bright colors could be adjusted and controlled by the thickness of TiO2 thin films in Ag/TiO2 composite films without any dyes or pigments. By comparing the results of theoretical calculation and experimental results, it was found that the creation of structural colors by the experiment was coincident to the colors by theoretical calculation according to the film interference principle. There was a linear relationship between the thickness of TiO2 film and the wavelength of the structural color.

Originality/value
Compared to traditional coloration by dyes or pigments, the coloration of textile by structural color from Ag/TiO2 composite films prepared by magnetron sputtering was very environmental friendly and simple without water consuming, time consuming and tedious work. Structural colors have great potential applications in textiles in place of traditional dyes and pigments. Furthermore, the textiles coated with Ag/TiO2 composite films have good electrical, optical and magnetic properties, and can be used in apparel, home furnishings and industrial fabrics.