bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Syndecan functions to regulate Wnt-dependent axon guidance inC. elegans
Authors: Hartin Samantha N. , Kurland Meagan , Ackley Brian D. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractCell adhesion molecules are key to axon guidance during development, for example specific cues can instruct axons to terminate in a specific area, or to continue growth. Syndecans are conserved cell-surface receptors that function in multiple developmental contexts.Caenorhabditis eleganswith mutations in the single syndecan gene,sdn-1,exhibited errors in anterior-posterior guidance, with axons that stopped short of, or grew past their stereotypical termination point. Syndecan function was cell non-autonomous for GABAergic axon outgrowth during early development, but was likely cell autonomous to inhibit growth later in development.sdn-1appeared to regulate the inhibitory activity of theegl-20/Wntligand. Removingegl-20fromsdn-1mutants resulted in fewer animals with prematurely terminating axons. The proteoglycan modifying enzymeshse-5andhst-2, but nothst-6, had similar effects, suggesting specific heparan sulfate modifications regulated EGL-20 axon-terminating activity.sdn-1functioned withlin-17/Frizzled,bar-1/β-catenin and theegl-5Hox-like transcription factor in EGL-20-depedent axon outgrowth.bar-1was required foregl-5expression in the most posterior GABAergic neurons.sdn-1mutations did not eliminateegl-5expression, but over-expression ofegl-5rescuedsdn-1phenotypes. Our results suggest syndecan is a component of Wnt-signaling events that are necessary for axons to recognize appropriate termination points.
Reducing transportation emissions
Authors: Pålsson Henrik , Johansson Ola 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the intention of companies to reduce transportation emissions by 2020 and the barriers and the discriminating factors that affect the reduction.Design/methodology/approach– A literature review identified potential logistical and technical actions and their barriers, and discriminating factors for reducing transportation emissions. A survey of freight transport-intensive industries in Sweden examined the effects of, intention for implementation of and barriers to 12 actions to reduce CO2emissions from freight transportation. In total, 172 logistics managers responded, representing a response rate of 40.3 per cent.Findings– Logistics service providers (LSPs) and freight owners are likely to reduce a considerable amount of CO2emissions from freight transportation by 2020 using a combination of actions. The lowest level of confidence was for reducing CO2emissions by changing logistics structures, while there was greater confidence by means of operational changes. The actions have few barriers, but there is often a combination of barriers to overcome. Three discriminating factors influence the intention of a firm to reduce transportation emissions: perceived potential, company size and LSP/freight owner. The industrial sector of a freight owner has minor influence. Companies that are particularly likely to reduce emissions are LSPs, large companies, and those that perceive a large reduction potential.Research limitations/implications– Logistical and technical barriers appear to hinder companies from implementing actions, while organisational barriers and external prerequisites do not. Barriers cannot be used to predict companies’ intentions to reduce transportation emissions. The authors examined the impact of three discriminating factors on reduction of transportation emissions. The research is based on perceptions of well-informed managers and on companies in Sweden.Practical implications– The findings can be used by managers to identify firms for benchmarking initiatives and emissions-reducing strategies.Originality/value– The study provides insights into intended CO2reductions in transportation by 2020. It presents new knowledge regarding barriers and discriminating factors for implementing actions to reduce transportation emissions.
Suitability of performance indicators and benchmarking practices in UK universities
Authors: Tee Kong Fah 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide a common framework for benchmarking practices used in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach
– An electronic questionnaire survey was distributed to senior management team and senior administrators among the top 200 UK universities in the world.

Findings
– A review of the current practices of benchmarking among the universities in the UK is presented and the types of performance indicators adopted within universities in relation to research, teaching and administration are outlined.

Originality/value
– The suitability of performance indicators adopted in the current national and international rankings is also investigated. Opinions of respondents on important factors for successful benchmarking are also compiled and analysed.
Harmonization and differences in CSR reporting of US and German companies
Authors: Einwiller Sabine , Ruppel Christopher , Schnauber Alexandra 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to extend the theoretical discussion and empirical evidence on harmonization as well as differences in CSR reporting, and to dismantle inconsistencies owing to the idiosyncratic methods applied in previous studies. While institutional and cultural differences suggest country-of-origin effects, the proliferation of global standards for CSR reporting is expected to promote harmonization.Design/methodology/approach– Based on a literature review hypotheses concerning harmonization and country-of-origin effects were derived. Reports were content analyzed using the software Leximancer. Harmonization effects were examined by comparing reports of companies that adhered to the standards by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and UN Global Compact and those that did not declare to do so. Country-of-origin effects were explored by comparing reports of German and US multinational enterprises (MNEs).Findings– The study reveals that there are comparatively greater similarities between reports issued by MNEs that adhere to global standards, especially GRI. Results also reveal some country-of-origin effects. While German MNEs report more on environmental issues, US MNEs have a stronger focus on society, especially the community.Originality/value– The study contributes to the limited evidence for harmonization in CSR reporting due to the adherence to global reporting standards. Because comparability is important for many stakeholders addressed by the reports the findings are valuable for stakeholder management, but also for the initiatives who aim to enhance transparency and comparability.
We knew it all along! Using cognitive science to explain how andragogy works
Authors: Hagen Marcia , Park Sunyoung 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– This paper aims to link recent findings in cognitive neuroscience to better understand how andragogically informed instructional practices impact cognition and learning.Design/methodology/approach– The research questions guiding the study is in what ways can the recent findings in cognitive neuroscience help to inform adult education theory, including andragogy in particular, to deepen our understanding of how andragogical instructional principles and practices can improve learning? We adopted Torraco’s (2005) integrative literature review approach of providing enough details regarding the selection of the literature and the identification and verification of emerged themes of main ideas.Findings– The core assumptions of andragogy (self-direction, prior experience, readiness to learn and immediacy of application) have a connection to the neural networks related to memory and cognition.Research limitations/implications– First, this study provides fundamental foundations for combining cognitive neuroscience and adult learning to illuminate how cognitive neuroscience contributes physiologically to adult learning. Second, the findings in cognitive neuroscience related to the four assumptions for andragogy help to provide scientific explanations and interpretations for adult learning theories influencing human resource development (HRD), such as self-directed learning, experiential learning and role theory.Practical implications– First, HRD practitioners could use the integrative approach between andragogy and the cognitive neuroscience to reduce the issues of learning activities in generation differences. In addition, cognitive neuroscience research may contribute to improving teaching and instructional techniques.Originality/value– The contributions of this study is that it provides an integrative review about why and how anagogical principles work through the lens of cognitive neuroscience. Based on the findings, we suggested a model of adaptive cognitive neuroscience-adult learning structures.
Social trust and use of banking services across households in 28 transitional countries
Authors: Afandi Elvin , Habibov Nazim 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to use survey data from a sample of 29,000 households from 28 transitional countries and Turkey to address two main questions: first, is there any effect of social trust on the use of banking services; and second, what are the household-level and country-specific determinants of using banking services in transitional countries.Design/methodology/approach– The authors use binary probit models, instrumental variables methods and various econometric specifications to test the hypothesis.Findings– The authors found that the higher level of trust in people predicts a greater level in use of banking services by households regardless of the model specifications and econometric adjustments employed. This association appears to be more prominent among less educated respondents and in countries with low levels of legal enforcement. The results also suggest that location, income and wealth of households, along with country income level, legal enforcement and inflation rates strongly affect the decisions made by households regarding their use of banking services. In contrast, the authors found either a very small or non-significant impact with regard to bank ownership structure on the use of banking services across households.Originality/value– To the best of the knowledge this is the first study which specifically focusses on social trust and the usage of formal banking services across a large set of transitional countries.
Productivity growth in the winery sector: evidence from Italy and Spain
Authors: Sellers-Rubio Ricardo , Alampi Sottini Veronica , Menghini Silvio 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to estimate total productivity change in the winery sector, decomposing it into efficiency change and technical change.

Design/methodology/approach
– The methodology is based on the estimation of the Malmquist productivity index for a sample of Spanish and Italian wineries between 2005 and 2013.

Findings
– The results show very low efficiency levels for the wineries under study. Further, Spanish and Italian wineries show a decrease in their average annual productivity for the period of time analysed.

Practical implications
– The analysis of the efficiency and the productivity of the wineries is crucial to improve their competitiveness and guarantee their survival.

Originality/value
– For the first time, a comparative analysis is carried out with data from two major wine-producing countries.
Strategic winery reputation management – exploring German wine guides
Authors: Dressler Marc 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– Positioning via quality is key for German wineries. The aim of the study was to explore reputational variables (collective and firm reputation) the study as well as limits of reputational effects.Design/methodology/approach– A multi-dimensional approach, taking a supplier perspective, accessing multiple sources and evaluating Germany serves to explore exogenous factors on reputation. Descriptive and regression analyses examine individual and collective reputational effects for jury grades as proxy for quality and price as the dependent variables.Findings– For collective reputation, region and cooperative memberships strongly matter, whereby region can be a competitive disadvantage and membership shows superior impact. Being a private but managed winery and belonging to a closed quality circle maximizes quality reputation. Strategic grouping has a distinctive effect, not size. Germany specificities and illustration to the obstacles of free-ridership are delivered.Practical implications– Strategic management (including location) help to create a reputational profile. Growth should not be motivated by reputation. Different strategies for the wine guides to build reputation can be pursued, but conquering the top league is a challenge, especially in case of negative collective reputation.Originality/value– For academia, the value of the study consists mainly in the discovery of the dominance of membership in a quality circle and its impact on collective reputation, and the creative multi-dimensional and multi-source approach. Also, cross-guide analysis is new. Practitioners can tailor a specific strategy vis-Ã -vis guides on the basis of the created transparency.
Review of empirical research on knowledge management practices and firm performance
Authors: Inkinen Henri 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
Knowledge management (KM) has emerged as one of the most discussed new management methods. Among the most debated areas in KM has been the association between knowledge and firm performance, but a lack of understanding and consensus still remains as a major issue. This paper aims to address the research gap by reviewing the empirical literature and determining how KM-based managerial and organizational practices are related with firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach
This study followed a systematic review procedure.

Findings
The findings demonstrate that utilization of KM practices is significant driver for innovation. Also, specific leadership characteristics and organizational arrangements are likely to support firm performance through more efficient and effective management of knowledge resources.

Research limitations/implications
This study adds to the discussion on knowledge-based view of the firm by pointing out the key organizational and managerial practices that are associated with firm performance. The results of this study also add structure to the previously scattered discussion on KM practices by synthesizing the relevant literature

Practical implications
Measuring KM performance is characterized by organizational complexity; this study demonstrated that innovation is a likely outcome of utilization of KM practices, but there are numerous other factors that influence the financial performance figures. Also, this study points out that organizations should pay attention to specific KM leadership attributes and organizational arrangements in order to achieve firm performance through KM.

Originality/value
This is the first systematic literature review on KM practices and firm performance. The results increase understanding of efficient and effective management of knowledge resources for organizational benefit.
Place branding as a strategic spatial planning instrument
Authors: Oliveira Eduardo 
Published: March 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critically explore the role of place branding, specifically at the regional scale, as an instrument for the attainment of strategic spatial planning goals. It also aims to contribute to the academic debate on place branding by discussing its relevance and effectiveness in supporting economic and social spatial realignment through civic participation and the shaping of clearly envisioned agreed futures.Design/methodology/approachExploratory in nature, this paper’s theoretical exploration is developed by detailing relevant findings from a case study on the significance of a regional branding initiative, integrated in a wider planning strategy for northern Portugal (NUTS II). In conducting this exploratory research, primary data were gathered through 16 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with key regional actors and organizations with a stake (and expertise) in the region.FindingsFindings show the key strategic domains in which the region excels. These domains could fuel a potential regional branding initiative. However, the key regional actors interviewed agree that the diverse and fragmented regional assets and the socioeconomic scenario all require and yet hinder regional coordination efforts. In addition, territorial reorganization and the definition of a regional economic model, plus decentralization of decision-making and the establishment of leadership, are imperative for the effectiveness of a regional branding strategy aligned with the ongoing strategic spatial planning initiatives.Practical implicationsManagerial implications of integrating the opinions and perspectives of regional actors into a potential place-branding initiative as strategic spatial planning instrument include improving socio-spatial and spatial-economic condition of the region and envisioning shared futures.Originality/valueBy guiding the thoughts of scholars, practitioners and policymakers towards a strategic spatial planning approach to place branding, the paper contributes to the advancement and maturation of the place-branding field, by lending a more strategic approach and geographical/spatial consciousness to the process of place branding. The paper also sheds light on the challenges and complexity of branding regions, a scale of analysis seldom explored in place-branding literature.
Hitting the right note for child and adolescent mental and emotional wellbeing: a formative qualitative evaluation of Sistema Scotland’s “Big Noise” orchestral programme
Authors: Harkins Christopher , Garnham Lisa , Campbell Aileen , Tannahill Carol 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– Previous research emphasises the need for preventative interventions to reduce mental health problems among disadvantaged children and adolescents. There is however little consensus concerning the delivery and impacts of such interventions particularly non-clinical, arts-based models delivered within community settings. The purpose of this paper is to begin to address this deficit through a qualitative assessment of the short- to medium-term impacts to participants’ mental and emotional wellbeing within Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise orchestral programme.

Design/methodology/approach
– Semi-structured interviews, observation, participant drawing exercise, participatory filmmaking, focus group and analysis of programme engagement were undertaken to examine the mental and emotional wellbeing impacts of the programme which are observable at this early stage of programme delivery and participants’ lives.

Findings
– The qualitative findings indicate that participation in the Big Noise programme enhances participant mental and emotional wellbeing in three ways; first, the happiness and enjoyment of taking part in the programme and orchestra, particularly from music making; second, the security, belonging and relationships fostered through participation; the quality of musician/participant relationship is important here as is programme design which enables support, routine and structure; and third, increased pride, confidence and self-esteem, as a result of acquiring difficult musical skills, receiving regular praise and having frequent opportunities to demonstrate these acquired skills through regular orchestral performances.

Originality/value
– There is little evidence or understanding of community-based, preventative, arts interventions like Big Noise: their delivery, their life-course impacts and their potential contribution to mental health and to addressing social and health inequalities. The causal pathways in the field are under-theorised. These early findings are important as they serve as an important basis from which to consider the programme’s wider and longer term impacts, which will be assessed through an on-going longitudinal, mixed method summative evaluation.
Chemometric modeling to predict retention times for a large set of pesticides or toxicants using hybrid genetic algorithm/multiple linear regression approach
Authors: Amirat Khadidja , Ziani Nadia , Messadi Djelloul 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to predict the retention times of 84 pesticides or toxicants.

Design/methodology/approach
– Quantitative structure – retention relationship analysis was performed on a set of 84 pesticides or toxicants using a hybrid approach genetic algorithm/multiple linear regression (GA/MLR).

Findings
– A model with six descriptors was developed using as independent variables. Theoretical descriptors derived from Spartan and Dragon softwares when applying GA/MLR approach.

Originality/value
– A six parameter linear model developed by GA/MLR, with R² of 90.54, Q² of 88.15 and S of 0.0381 in Log value. Several validation techniques, including leave-many-out cross-validation, randomization test, and validation through the test set, illustrated the reliability of the proposed model. All of the descriptors involved can be directly calculated from the molecular structure of the compounds, thus the proposed model is predictive and could be used to estimate the retention times of pesticides or toxicants.
An Engineering Approach for Assessment of Fabric Filterability
Authors: El-Hadidy A. , Fadel A. , Fadel H. 
Published: March 2016

Multilayer technical fabrics are an important part of fibrous filters used in raw water filtration systems. The implementation of the filtration process depends on the structure of the fabric system, water particle deposition mechanisms and water flow conditions. This paper discusses, in terms of theoretical models, the results of an investigation on the flow resistance and efficiency of raw water filtration at the initial stage, in which the dispersed phase consists of liquid particles, through a multilayer technical fabric system with different structural parameters.
The research results indicate the functional dependence of filtering properties on thestructural parameters of the fibres studied (primarily, fabric packing density coefficient,fabric tightness, and raw water flow parameters, such as the water flow rate (time)). The results of the research on multilayer technical fabrics with particular focus on the analysis of pore fraction distribution may be of crucial importance in forecasting the use of multilayer technical fabrics as filtering media for raw water filtration processing, considering that the conditions are sufficient
Is volunteering for everyone? Volunteering opportunities for young ex-offenders
Authors: Kirby Amy 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore volunteering opportunities for young adults with criminal records (“young ex-offenders”).

Design/methodology/approach
– The study was conducted primarily in one London borough. It involved mapping volunteering opportunities for young ex-offenders and conducting in-depth interviews with young ex-offenders and practitioners from volunteer-involving organisations (VIOs) and resettlement organisations.

Findings
– Several perceived benefits of volunteering for young ex-offenders were identified; particularly in relation to “softer” outcomes such as building confidence, learning new skills and developing a routine. Perceived challenges focused on whether or not organisations were able to provide volunteers with adequate levels of support; concerns about levels of engagement among volunteers and confusion over safeguarding procedures, particularly in relation to the obtaining of Disclosure and Barring Checks.

Originality/value
– This paper offers practical insight into the scope of volunteering for young ex-offenders which may be of use to VIOs and resettlement organisations interested in providing such opportunities to young ex-offenders.