bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing functional genetics throughAgrobacterium-mediated insertional mutagenesis and CRISPR/Cas9 in the commensal and pathogenic yeastMalassezia furfur
Authors: Ianiri Giuseppe , Dagotto Gabriel , Heitman Joseph
Published: May 2019

Malasseziaencompasses a monophyletic group of basidiomycetous yeasts naturally found on the skin of humans and other animals.Malasseziaspecies have lost genes for lipid biosynthesis, and are therefore lipid-dependent and difficult to manipulate under laboratory conditions. In this study we applied a recently-developedAgrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation protocol to perform T-DNA random insertional mutagenesis inMalassezia furfur. A total of 767 transformants were screened after exposure to 10 different stresses, and the 19 mutants that exhibited a phenotype different from the wild type were further characterized. The majority of these strains had single T-DNA insertions, which were identified within the open reading frames of genes, within untranslated regions, and in intergenic regions. Some T-DNA insertions generated chromosomal rearrangements, and others could not be characterized. To validate the findings of the forward genetic screen, a novel CRISPR/Cas9 system was developed to generate targeted deletion mutants for 2 genes identified in the screen:CDC55andPDR10. This system is based on co-transformation ofM. furfurmediated byA. tumefaciensto deliver both aCAS9-gRNA construct that induces double-strand DNA breaks, and a gene replacement allele that serves as a homology directed repair template. Targeted deletion mutants for bothCDC55andPDR10were readily generated with this method. This study demonstrates the feasibility and reliability ofA. tumefaciens-mediated transformation to aid in the identification of gene functions inM. furfurthrough both insertional mutagenesis and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted gene deletion.
Role of coiled-coil registry shifts in activation of human Bicaudal D2 for dynein recruitment upon cargo-binding
Authors: Noell Crystal R. , Loh Jia Ying , Debler Erik W. , Loftus Kyle M. , Cui Heying , Russ Blaine B. , Goyal Puja , Solmaz Sozanne R.
Published: May 2019

Dynein adaptors such as Bicaudal D2 (BicD2) recognize cargo for dynein-dependent transport. BicD2-dependent transport pathways are important for brain and muscle development. Cargo-bound adaptors are required to activate dynein for processive transport, but the mechanism of action is elusive. Here, we report the structure of the cargo-binding domain of human BicD2 that forms a dimeric coiled-coil with homotypic registry, in which both helices are aligned. To investigate if BicD2 can switch to an asymmetric registry, where a portion of one helix is vertically shifted, we performed molecular dynamics simulations. Both registry types are stabilized by distinct conformations of F743. For the F743I variant, which increases dynein recruitment in theDrosophilahomolog, and for the human R747C variant, which causes spinal muscular atrophy, spontaneous coiled-coil registry shifts are observed, which may cause the BicD2-hyperactivation phenotype and disease. We propose that a registry shift upon cargo-binding activates auto-inhibited BicD2 for dynein recruitment.

Highlights

Stable, bona fide BicD2 coiled-coils with distinct registries can be formed.

We provide evidence that a human disease mutation causes a coiled-coil registry shift.

A coiled-coil registry shift could relieve BicD2-autoinhibition upon cargo-binding.

The ability to undergo registry shifts may be an inherent property of coiled-coils.

In Brief

Our results support that stable coiled-coils of BicD2 with distinct registries can be formed, and suggest a molecular mechanism for such registry switches. We provide evidence that disease-causing mutations in coiled-coils may alter the equilibrium between registry-shifted conformers, which we propose as a general mechanism of pathogenesis for coiled-coils.

Graphical Abstract
Cryo-EM structure of the ClpXP protein degradation machinery
Authors: Gatsogiannis C , Balogh D , Merino F , Sieber SA , Raunser S
Published: May 2019

The ClpXP machinery is a two component protease complex performing targeted protein degradation in bacteria and eukaryotes. The complex consists of the AAA+ chaperone ClpX and the peptidase ClpP. The hexameric ClpX utilizes the energy of ATP binding and hydrolysis to engage, unfold and translocate substrates into the catalytic chamber of tetradecameric ClpP where they are degraded. Formation of the complex involves a symmetry mismatch, since hexameric AAA+ rings bind axially to the opposing stacked heptameric rings of the tetradecameric ClpP. Here we present the first high-resolution cryo-EM structure of ClpXP fromListeria monocytogenes. We unravel the heptamer-hexamer binding interface and provide novel insights into the ClpX-ClpP crosstalk and activation mechanism. The comparison with available crystal structures of ClpP and ClpX in different states allows us to understand important aspects of ClpXP’s complex mode of action and provides a structural framework for future pharmacological applications.
K+in a Kv1.2 Channel Pore: Hydration, Selectivity, and the Role of a Conserved Threonine
Authors: Kariev A. M. , Green M. E
Published: May 2019

Quantum calculations describing transport of K+through a Kv1.2 channel cavity, plus the lower half of the selectivity filter (SF), show hydration in the pore and cosolvation by threonine at the entrance to the SF. Comparison to calculations on Na+ions gives the probable selectivity mechanism. A single K+ion is calculated at five positions in its course through the cavity, and two ions calculated at three positions at the entrance to the SF. Three Na+pairs of ions were also calculated, and one shows how an ion is trapped asymmetrically, tightly held by two threonine −OH, and with a water tightly bound ahead of it, so that overall it has a major barrier to advancing, while K+advances with minimal barriers. In the cavity below the SF, the ion passes in a hydrated state through pore water, between the intracellular gate and the SF, until it is cosolvated by the threonines at the selectivity filter entrance. These calculations show how the ion associates with the water, and enters the SF. A characteristic arrangement of four water molecules adjacent to the SF in the KcsA channel, shown in earlier work, is now found in Kv1.2. A single ion passing through the channel cavity is found to have an energy minimum within 1 Å of the K+ion position in the 3Lut pdb structure of this channel. Properties (e.g. dipole moment) of the system are calculated. Charge transfer to the ion produces K+charge 0.74 ≤ q(ion) ≤ 0.87e, in different conditions. The calculations of pairs of Na+and K+ions at the SF entrance include the threonine, valine, and glycine of the conserved SF TVGYG sequence. The Na+/K+difference shows a reason for the conservation of the threonine in producing selectivity, as the –OH groups trap Na+but not K+.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Potassium channels are found in all cells, and have a characteristic selectivity filter that blocks the passage of Na+while allowing K+to pass. These channels are implicated in many diseases. We use quantum calculations to show how the K+ion passes from the intracellular gate of the channel, entering the channel pore, to the selectivity filter at the extracellular end of the channel; at the selectivity filter, we use comparable calculations of K+and Na+to show how the channel selects K+over Na+, as well as the probable reason for the conservation of a key residue (threonine) at the base of the selectivity filter. We find properties (e.g., charge transfer, bond order) that require quantum calculations.
Rad9/53BP1 promotes crossover recombination DNA repair by limiting the Sgs1 and Mph1 helicases
Authors: Ferrari Matteo , Rawal Chetan C. , Lodovichi Samuele , Pellicioli Achille
Published: May 2019

A DNA double strand break (DSB) is primed for homologous recombination (HR) repair through the nucleolytic processing (resection) of its ends, leading to the formation of a 3′ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Generation of the ssDNA is accompanied by the loading of several repair factors, including the ssDNA binding factor RPA and the recombinase Rad51. Then, depending upon the availability and location of a homologous sequence, different types of HR mechanisms can occur. Inefficient or slow HR repair results in the activation of the DNA damage checkpoint (DDC)1. In budding yeast, the 53BP1 ortholog Rad9 acts as a scaffold, mediating signal from upstream kinases Mec1 and Tel1 (ATR and ATM in human) to downstream effectors kinases Rad53 and Chk1 (CHK2 and CHK1 in human). In addition to its role in DDC, Rad9 limits DSB resection 2. Remarkably, this function is conserved in 53BP1, also being implicated in cancer biology in human cells 3,4.

Here we show that Rad9 limits the recruitment of the helicases Sgs1 and Mph1 on to a DSB, promoting Rad51-dependent recombination with long track DNA conversions, crossovers and break-induced replication (BIR). This regulation couples the DDC with the choice and effectiveness of HR sub-pathways, and might be critical to limit genome instability with implication for cancer research.
Mental Chronometry in the Pocket? Timing Accuracy of Web Applications on Touchscreen and Keyboard Devices
Authors: Pronk Thomas , Wiers Reinout W. , Molenkamp Bert , Murre Jaap
Published: May 2019

Web applications can implement procedures for studying the speed of mental processes (mental chronometry). As web applications, these procedures can be administered via web-browsers on most commodity desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This approach to conducting mental chronometry offers various opportunities, such as increased scale, ease of data collection, and access to specific samples. However, validity and reliability may be threatened due to web applications on commodity devices having less accurate timing than specialized software and hardware. We have examined how accurately web applications time stimuli and register response times on commodity touchscreen and keyboard devices running a range of popular web-browsers. Additionally, we have explored the accuracy of a range of technical innovations for timing stimuli, presenting stimuli, and estimating stimulus duration. Results offer some guidelines as to what kind of methods may be most accurate, and what kind of mental chronometry paradigms may suitably be administered via web applications. In controlled circumstances, as can be realized in a lab setting, very accurate stimulus timing and moderately accurate Reaction Time (RT) measurements could be achieved on both touchscreen and keyboard devices. In uncontrolled circumstances, as may be encountered online, short stimulus durations (of up to 100 ms) may be inaccurate, and RT measurement may be affected by the occurrence of bi-modally distributed RT overestimations.
The effect of light vs dark coat color on thermal status in Labrador Retriever dogs
Authors: Neander Caitlin , Baker Janice , Kelsey Kathleen , Feugang Jean , Perry Erin
Published: May 2019

Although dark coat color in dogs has been theorized as a risk factor for thermal stress, there is little evidence in the scientific literature to support that position. We utilized 16 non-conditioned Labradors (8 black and 8 yellow) in a three-phase test to examine effects of coat color on thermal status of the dog. Rectal, gastrointestinal (GI), surface temperature, and respiration rate measured in breaths per minute (bpm), were collected prior to (Baseline — phase 1) and immediately after a controlled 30-minute walk in an open-air environment on a sunny day (Sunlight — phase 2). Follow up measurements were taken 15 minutes after walking (Cool down – phase 3) to determine post-exposure return to baseline. No effect of coat color was measured for rectal, gastrointestinal or surface temperature, or respiration (P > 0.05) in dogs following their 30-minute walk. Temperatures increased similarly across both coat colors (rectal 1.88 °C and 1.83 °C; GI 1.89 °C and 1.94 °C; eye 1.89 °C and 1.94 °C; abdominal 2.93 °C and 2.35 °C) for black and yellow dogs respectively during the sunlight phase (P > 0.05). All temperatures and respiration rates decreased similarly across coat colors for rectal (0.9°C and 1.0°C) and GI (1.5 °C and 1.3°C) for black and yellow dogs respectively (P > 0.05). Similarly, sex did not impact thermal status across rectal, gastrointestinal or surface temperature or respiration rates measured (P > 0.05). These data contradict the commonly held theory that dogs with darker coat color may experience a greater thermal change when exposed to direct sunlight compared to dogs with a lighter coat color.
A spatial analysis of childhood cancer and industrial air pollution in a metropolitan area of Colombia
Authors: Valbuena-Garcia Ana Maria , Rodriguez-Villamizar Laura Andrea , Uribe Pérez Claudia Janeth , Moreno Corzo Feisar Enrique , Ortiz Martinez Rafael Gustavo
Published: May 2019

Background

Air pollutants are considered carcinogenic to humans. In some European countries, an association with childhood cancer in children has been established. This phenomenon has not been addressed in Latin America, despite the spatial variability of air pollutants that may limit the extrapolation of the results to other geographical areas.

Objective

To conduct a spatial analysis of the relationship between childhood cancer and air pollution from industrial sources in a metropolitan area of Colombia.

Methods

Incident cases of childhood cancers were obtained from the Population-based Cancer Registry of the Bucaramanga Metropolitan Area (2000-2015). Local and focused cluster tests were used for the detection of spatial clusters and the Poisson multivariable model was used to evaluate the combined effects of spatial variables.

Results

The Kulldorff’s focused test found a significant spatial cluster (p=0.001) around one industrial agglomerate and the multivariable model results suggests that the distance effect is modified by the directional effect of the wind.

Conclusion

A spatial cluster of incident cases of childhood cancer occurred in the municipality of Bucaramanga. Our finding supports the hypothesis that childhood cancer might be related with industrial air pollution exposure in a Latin American city.
Dynamic reconfiguration of functional subgraphs after musical training in young adults
Authors: Li Qiongling , Wang Xuetong , Wang Shaoyi , Xie Yongqi , Xie Yachao , Li Shuyu
Published: May 2019

The human brain works in a form of network architecture in which dynamic modules and subgraphs were considered to enable efficient information communication supporting diverse brain functions from fixed anatomy. Previous study demonstrated musical training induced flexible node assignment changes of visual and auditory systems. However, how the dynamic subgraphs change with musical training still remains largely unknown. Here, 29 novices healthy young adults who received 24-week piano training, and another 27 novices without any intervention were scanned at three time points—before and after musical training, and 12 weeks after training. We used nonnegative matrix factorization to identify a set of subgraphs and their corresponding time-dependent coefficients from a concatenated functional network of all subjects in sliding time windows. The energy and entropy of the time-dependent coefficients were computed to quantify the subgraph’s dynamic changes in expression. The musical training group showed significantly increased energy of time-dependent coefficients of 3 subgraphs after training. Furthermore, one of the subgraphs, comprised of primary functional systems and cingulo-opercular task control and salience systems, showed significantly changed entropy in the training group after training. Our results suggest that interaction of functional systems undergoes significant changes in their fine-scale dynamic after a period of musical training.

Author Summary

We designed a longitudinal experiment to investigate the musical training induced dynamic subgraph changes in 29 novice healthy young adults before and after musical training compared with another 27 novice participants who were evaluated longitudinal but without any intervention. The nonnegative matrix factorization was employed to decompose the constructed dynamic functional connectivity matrix to a set of subgraphs and their corresponding time-dependent coefficients. We found that functional systems interacted closely with each other during transient process, and the musical training group showed significantly increased energy and entropy of time-dependent coefficients after training when compared with the control group. The present study suggests that musical training could induce the reconfiguration of functional subgraphs in young adults.
Commissioning of a photoelectron spectrometer for soft X-ray photon diagnostics at the European XFEL
Authors: Laksman Joakim , Buck Jens , Glaser Leif , Planas Marc , Dietrich Florian , Liu Jia , Maltezopoulos Theophilos , Scholz Frank , Seltmann Jörn , Hartmann Gregor , Ilchen Markus , Freund Wolfgang , Kujala Naresh , Viefhaus Jens , Grünert Jan
Published: May 2019

Commissioning and first operation of an angle-resolved photoelectron spectrometer for non-invasive shot-to-shot diagnostics at the European XFEL soft X-ray beamline are described. The objective with the instrument is to provide the users and operators with reliable pulse-resolved information regarding photon energy and polarization that opens up a variety of applications for novel experiments but also hardware optimization.
Entrepreneurial intentions
Authors: Farrukh Muhammad , Lee Jason Wai Chow , Sajid Muhammad , Waheed Abdul
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Culture plays a vital role in shaping individuals’ intentions and behaviour. Influence of cultural values on entrepreneurship has been acknowledged widely by academics and practitioners. However, little in terms of empirical results is known. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of cultural values on entrepreneurial intentions (EI) of Pakistani students.

Design/methodology/approach

Cultural values of individualism and collectivism were incorporated into the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Smart-PLS software was used to run a structural equation modelling (SEM) technique to analyse the data.

Findings

SEM results showed that attitudes towards entrepreneurship and perceived behavioural controls (PBC) mediated the relationship between individualism and EI while subjective norms (SN) mediated the relationship between collectivism and EI.

Originality/value

The study confirms the applicability of the TPB for understanding the EI in a collectivist culture. Additionally, findings of this study displayed that external factors, such as cultural values, can impact EI through SN, attitude and PBC. Incorporation of cultural values in TPB contributed to the understating of antecedents of EI.
Analysis of novel FAGM(1,1,tα) model to forecast health expenditure of China
Authors: Wu Wenqing , Ma Xin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Yong , Wu Xinxing
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study a fractional grey model FAGM(1,1,tα) based on the GM(1,1,tα) model and the fractional accumulated generating operation, and then predict the national health expenditure, the government health expenditure and the out-of-pocket health expenditure of China.

Design/methodology/approach

The presented univariate grey model is systematically studied by using the grey modelling technique, the fractional accumulated generating operation and the trapezoid approximation formula of definite integral. The optimal system parametersrandαare evaluated by the particle swarm optimisation algorithm.

Findings

The expressions of the time response function and the restored values of this model are derived. The GM(1,1), NGM(1,1,k,c) and GM(1,1,tα) models are particular cases of the FAGM(1,1,tα) model with deterministicrandα. Compared with other forecasting models, the results of the FAGM(1,1,tα) model have higher precision.

Practical implications

The superiority of the new model has high potential to be used in the medicine and health fields and others. Results can provide a guideline for government decision making.

Originality/value

The univariate fractional grey model FAGM (1,1,tα) successfully studies the China’s health expenditure.
Application of grey prediction model to the prediction of medical consumables consumption
Authors: Shen Xuejun , Yue Minghui , Duan Pengfei , Wu Guihai , Tan Xuerui
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Based on the prediction of the consumption of medical materials, the purpose of this paper is to study the applicability of the grey model method to the field and its predicted accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The ABC classification method is used to classify medical consumables and select the analysis objects. The GM (1,1) model predicts the annual consumption of medical materials. The GM (1,1) modeling of the consumption of the selected medical materials in 2006~2017 was carried out by using the metabolite sequence and the sequence topology subsequence, respectively. The average rolling error and the average rolling accuracy are calculated to evaluate the prediction accuracy of the model.

Findings

The ABC classification results show that Class A projects, which account for only 9.79 percent of the total inventory items, occupy most of the inventory funds. Eight varieties with varying purchases and usages and complete historical data were selected for further analysis. The subsequence GM(1,1) model group constructed by two different methods predicts and scans the annual consumption of eight kinds of medical materials, and the rolling precision can reach more than 90 percent.

Originality/value

The metabolic GM (1,1) model is an ideal predictive model that can meet the requirements for a short-term prediction of medical material consumption (Zhang et al., 2014). The GM (1,1) model is more suitable for a short-term prediction of medical material consumption with less data modeling.
Influence of time delay on weighted pseudo-almost periodic dynamics in SICNNs
Authors: Xu Changjin , Liao Maoxin , Li Peiluan
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the weighted pseudo-almost periodic solutions of shunting inhibitory cellular neural networks (SICNNs) with time-varying delays and distributed delays.

Design/methodology/approach

The principle of weighted pseudo-almost periodic functions and some new mathematical analysis skills are applied.

Findings

A set of sufficient criteria which guarantee the existence and exponential stability of the weighted pseudo-almost periodic solutions of the considered SICNNs are established.

Originality/value

The derived results of this paper are new and complement some earlier works. The innovation of this paper concludes two points: a new sufficient criteria guaranteeing the existence and exponential stability of the weighted pseudo-almost periodic solutions of SICNNs are established; and the ideas of this paper can be applied to investigate some other similar neural networks.
Projectification of sustainable development: implications from a critical review
Authors: Cerne Annette , Jansson Johan
Published: May 2019

Purpose

In this paper, the authors challenge traditional views of project management and sustainable development as purportedly complementing each other. Rather, the authors apply a projectification perspective from a multi-disciplinary approach to sustainable development. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how we can better understand the interface between projects and sustainable development through the study of its practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors do this by outlining the global and the local dimensions of sustainable development as a business objective. For that reason, the authors also make a distinction between sustainability in projects and sustainable development through project coordination.

Findings

From the framing of sustainable development as projectification, the authors contribute with a set of research implications on how to proceed towards a better understanding of sustainable development through project coordination.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a growing field of interest regarding the interfaces between project management and sustainable development.
Good faith in franchising
Authors: Perrigot Rozenn , Terry Andrew , Lernia Cary Di
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The relational nature of franchising flowing from the contract between franchisor and franchisee which enshrines a close, continuing relationship raises the issue of good faith. While there are academic papers analyzing good faith, these do not capture the practical understanding and expression of the concept and the manner and application in which it operates in the real world of franchising. The purpose of this paper is to assess how good faith is defined and understood by franchise practitioners – franchisees, franchisors and their legal advisors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have adopted a qualitative approach by conducting and analyzing a series of 18 in-depth interviews with franchisees, franchisors and lawyers specializing in franchising.

Findings

The findings show that good faith is particularly important in franchising because of the disparity in the knowledge and power of the parties. They suggest that good faith is not only a legal notion but also a notion that is linked to the personal relationship between the franchisor and its franchisees. It then plays an important role in terms of management of this relationship and of the system as a whole. Moreover, they demonstrate that there is not one single shared understanding of good faith amongst franchising practitioners. Indeed, franchisees, franchisors and specialist franchise lawyers suggested that good faith can refer to transparency, trust, loyalty, fairness and equity amongst the franchisees, fair play, frankness, respect, ethics, kindness, “best efforts” and personalities.

Originality/value

The originality of the research lies in the fact that good faith is examined through the voice of franchising practitioners who explain how they define and understand good faith rather than through a detached academic lens.
Experimental investigation of mechanical properties and physical characteristics of concrete under standard fire exposure
Authors: Thanaraj Daniel Paul , N. Anand , Arulraj Prince
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explain the influence of Standard Fire as per ISO 834 on the strength and microstructure properties of concrete specimens with different strength grade.

Design/methodology/approach

The strength grades of concrete considered for the experimental investigation were Fck20, Fck30, Fck40 and Fck50. The specimens were heated up to 1, 2, 3 and 4 h as per standard fire curve. Effect of elevated temperature on compressive and flexural behavior of specimens with various strength grades was examined. Effects of age of concrete, weight loss, surface characteristics and thermal crack pattern were also investigated.

Findings

Experimental investigation shows that strength grade, duration of exposure and age of concrete are the key parameters affecting the residual strength of concrete. For the beams exposed to 3 and 4 h of heating, the residual flexural strength was found to be so insignificant that the specimens were not able to even sustain their own weight. The loss in compressive and flexural strength of Fck50 concrete specimens heated up to 1 h were found to be 26.41 and 86.03 per cent of the original unheated concrete, respectively. The weight loss was found to be more for higher grade concrete specimens, and it was about 8.38 per cent for Fck50 concrete. Regression analysis was carried out to establish the empirical relation between residual strength and grade of concrete. Scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis were carried out to examine the damage level of fire-affected concrete specimens.

Originality/value

Empirical relationship was developed to determine the residual strength of concrete exposed to elevate temperature, and this will be useful for design applications. This database may be useful for identifying member strength of reinforced beams subjected to various durations of heating so that suitable repair technique can be adopted from the available database. It will be useful to identify the proper grade of concrete with regard to fire endurance, in the case of concrete under compression or flexure.
Disruptive processes and skills mismatches in the new economy
Authors: Cukier Wendy
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Analysts predict that disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, will have a monumental impact on the world of work in the coming decades, exacerbating existing skills gaps faster than education systems can adapt. This paper aims to review research on the forecasted impact of technology on labour markets and skill demands over the near term. Furthermore, it outlines how social innovations and inclusion can be leveraged as strategies to mitigate the predicted impact of disruptive technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper engages in an overview of relevant academic literature, policy and industry reports focussing on disruptive technologies, labour market “skills gaps” and training to identify ongoing trends and prospective solutions.

Findings

This paper identifies an array of predictions, made in studies and reports, about the impact of disruptive technologies on labour markets. It outlines that even conservative estimates can be expected to considerably exacerbate existing skills gaps. In turn, it identifies work-integrated learning and technology-enabled talent matching platforms as tools, which could be used to mitigate the effects of disruptive technologies on labour markets. It argues that there is a need for rigorous evaluation of innovative programmes being piloted across jurisdictions.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focusses on these dynamics primarily as they are playing out in Canada and similar Western countries. However, our review and conclusions are not generalizable to other regions and economies at different stages of development. Further work is needed to ascertain how disruptive technologies will affect alternative jurisdictions.

Social implications

While “future of work” debates typically focus on technology and deterministic narratives, this paper points out that social innovations in training and inclusive technologies could prove useful in helping societies cope with the labour market effects of disruptive technologies.

Originality/value

This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of the existing literature on the labour market effects of novel technologies. It contributes original insights into the future of work debates by outlining how social innovation and inclusion can be used as tools to address looming skills mismatches over the short to medium term.
Green human resource management in Indian automobile industry
Authors: Chaudhary Richa
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aimed to examine the status of implementation of green human resource management (GHRM) practices in Indian automobile Industry. Specifically, the level of implementation of five GHRM practices: green recruitment and selection, green training and development, green performance management, green compensation and rewards and green employee involvement was assessed. In addition, an attempt was made to understand how various GHRM practices influence the task-related and voluntary green performance behaviors of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from employees working in automobile industries in India. In all, 91 employees working at various hierarchical levels in the organizations responded to the survey. SPSS 24 was used for the purpose of data analysis.

Findings

The results indicate very low level of implementation of various GHRM practices in the sampled automobile organizations. Among the five GHRM practices, the average score for only green training and development and green employee involvement could reach 3. The lowest scores were found for green performance management and green compensation and rewards. Further, all five GHRM practices were found to significantly predict the task-related and voluntary employee green behaviors.

Practical implications

The findings by providing empirical evidence on the positive association of GHRM practices with employee green behaviors carry significant implications for practicing managers in automobile industry in terms of providing incentives for integrating HRM practices with the environment management systems in the organization.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the pioneer attempts to assess and report the extent of implementation of GHRM practices in Indian automobile industry. This paper also contributes to the limited theoretical literature available on GHRM by empirically investigating its linkage with green performance behaviors of employees.
Intellectual capital and firm performance: an extended VAIC model
Authors: Bayraktaroglu Ayse Elvan , Calisir Fethi , Baskak Murat
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an extended and modified value-added (VA) intellectual coefficient (VAIC) model, which includes intellectual capital (IC) components which were missing in the original VAIC approach. The proposed model has been used to explore the relationship between IC and firm performance for Turkish manufacturing firms on a more detailed level.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple regression analysis has been employed to identify the IC components, which predict the performance of the firm and the moderating effect of some IC components on IC components–firm performance relationship. Data are required to calculate the IC components, and firm performance variables have been obtained from the financial reports of the Turkish manufacturing firms for the period 2003–2013.

Findings

According to the results for Turkish manufacturing sector innovation capital efficiency has a moderating effect on the relationship between structural capital efficiency (SCE) and profitability, meaning, depending on an increase in R&D expenses, the effect of SCE on profitability also increases. On the other hand, it has been found that innovation capital efficiency has a direct impact on firms’ productivity. The results also showed that IC efficiency components have a moderating role on the relationship between capital employed efficiency and profitability.

Research limitations/implications

There might be a time lag until the effect of R&D investments can be observed in firms’ performance. However, this lagged impact of innovation capital and also other IC components on future firm performance has not been investigated due to concerns related to sample size.

Originality/value

The proposed model differs from the original VAIC model in three ways: it, namely, includes two additional IC components, customer capital (CC) and innovation capital. It explores the moderating effect of innovation capital on structural capital–firm performance relationship and the moderating effect of IC components on employed capital–firm performance relationship. As the last difference, it proposes an alteration in the VA calculation due to newly added IC components, CC and innovation capital.
The marketing organization’s journey to become data-driven
Authors: Johnson Devon S. , Muzellec Laurent , Sihi Debika , Zahay Debra
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to improve understanding of data-driven marketing by examining the experiences of managers implementing big data analytics in the marketing function. Through a series of research questions, this exploratory study seeks to define what big data analytics means in marketing practice. It also seeks to uncover the challenges and identifiable stages of big data analytics implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 15 open-ended in-depth interviews were conducted with marketing and analytics executives in a variety of industries in Ireland and the USA. Interview transcripts were subjected to open coding and axial coding to address the research questions.

Findings

The study reveals that managers consider marketing big data analytics to be a series of tools and capabilities used to inform product innovation and marketing strategy-making processes and to defend the brand against emerging risks. Additionally, the study reveals that big data analytics implementation is championed at different organizational levels using different types of dynamic learning capabilities, contingent on the champion’s stature within the organization.

Originality/value

From the qualitative analysis, it is proposed that marketing departments undergo five stages of big data analytics implementation: sprouting, recognition, commitment, culture shift and data-driven marketing. Each stage identifies the key characteristics and potential pitfalls to be avoided and provides advice to marketing managers on how to implement big data analytics.
Impacts of knowledge sharing: a review and directions for future research
Authors: Ahmad Farhan , Karim Muhaimin
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Knowledge sharing contributes to the success of an organization in various ways. This paper aims to summarize the findings from past research on knowledge-sharing outcomes in organizations and to suggest promising directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

There was a conduction of a systematic literature review that consisted of three main phases: defining a review protocol, conducting the review and reporting the review. The thematic analysis was conducted on 61 studies, based on which a framework for understanding the impacts of knowledge sharing was developed.

Findings

Previous research has investigated knowledge-sharing outcomes at three levels: the individual, team and organization; specific impacts are summarized for each level. The most commonly studied factors affected by knowledge sharing are creativity, learning and performance. Knowledge sharing is also found to have some beyond-convention work-related impacts, such as those on team climate and employees’ life satisfaction. Research on the outcomes of knowledge sharing is dominated by quantitative studies, as we found only one qualitative study in this review. Based on the discussion of the results, promising avenues for further research were identified and a research agenda was proposed. More research on differential, psychological and negative impacts, as well as interactional and methodological aspects of knowledge-sharing, is suggested.

Originality/value

To date, no systematic review has been conducted on the impacts of knowledge-sharing. This paper makes an important contribution to knowledge-sharing research, as it consolidates previous research and identifies a number of useful research topics that can be explored to advance the field, as well as to establish the evidence-based importance of knowledge sharing.
Recruitment of local human resources and its effect on foreign subsidiaries in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Manami , Ando Naoki , Nishikawa Hidehiko
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate three different orientations of recruitment (profession-sensitive, language-sensitive and interculture-sensitive recruitment) and their effect on the foreign subsidiaries of multinational corporations (MNCs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the relationship among three different orientations of recruitment and knowledge transfer from parent firms to foreign subsidiaries. Data are collected from local managers in MNCs’ subsidiaries operating in Japan using a questionnaire. The hypotheses are tested by using ordinary least squares resression (OLS).

Findings

The results of this study indicate that each of the three orientations of recruitment positively influences the knowledge transfer of MNCs. In particular, the positive effect of profession-sensitive recruitment is enhanced when foreign subsidiaries are established through acquisition. The positive effect of interculture-sensitive recruitment on knowledge transfer is also strengthened by offering professional training.

Research limitations/implications

This study is subject to several limitations. The sample size is small, and the data were collected from a single country. In addition, the respondents’ positions in an organizational hierarchy have not been taken into account. Despite these limitations, this study can be considered the first step toward future research on the relationship between different orientations of recruitment and intra-organizational knowledge transfer.

Practical implications

The results of this study indicate that not only profession-sensitive recruitment but also language-sensitive and interculture-sensitive recruitment are important for intra-organizational knowledge sharing. This study suggests that local employees with intercultural competence have the potential to improve subsidiary performance through knowledge sharing with parent firms if they are provided with professional training.

Originality/value

This study has empirically examined the complex mechanism of the three important factors (professional, language and intercultural competence) in recruitment and their influence on knowledge transfer. In particular, this study emphasizes language-sensitive recruitment and interculture-sensitive recruitment, which have received less attention than profession-sensitive recruitment in international business research. Moreover, this study focuses on the relationship between recruitment and knowledge sharing in a cross-border setting, which few studies in the human resource management area have examined.
On occurrence of point singularities in orthorhombic media
Authors: Ivanov Yuriy
Published: May 2019

Degeneracies of the slowness surfaces of shear (and compressional) waves in low‐symmetry anisotropic media (such as orthorhombic), known as point singularities, pose difficulties during modelling and inversion, but can be potentially used in the latter as model parameter constraints. I analyse the quantity and spatial arrangement of point singularities in orthorhombic media, as well as their relation to the overall strength of velocity anisotropy. A classification scheme based on the number and spatial distribution of singularity directions is proposed. In normal orthorhombic models (where the principal shear moduli are smaller than the principal compressional moduli), point singularities can only be arranged in three distinct patterns, and media with the theoretical minimum (0) and maximum (16) number of singularities are not possible. In orthorhombic models resulting from embedding vertical fractures in transversely isotropic background, only two singularity distributions are possible, in contrast to what was previously thought. Although the total number of singularities is independent of the overall anisotropy strength, for general (non‐normal) orthorhombic models, different spatial distributions of singularities become more probable with increasing magnitude of anisotropy.
Reversing the effects of evolutionary prey naiveté through controlled predator exposure
Authors: Ross Alexandra K. , Letnic Mike , Blumstein Daniel T. , Moseby Katherine E.
Published: May 2019

Inappropriate anti‐predator responses (naiveté) towards introduced predators is a key factor contributing to the extinction and endangerment of prey species world‐wide and the failure of wildlife reintroductions. Here, we test the idea that success of reintroduction can be improved by exposing a predator naïve prey species to introduced predators under controlled conditions (in situ predation) prior to reintroduction, such that prey adopt increased wary behaviours to aid in survival.

We exposed a population of a naïve marsupial, the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis), to a controlled number of introduced predators (feral cats, Felis catus) for 2 years within a large fenced paddock and then compared the pre‐release behaviour and post‐translocation survival of predator‐exposed and predator‐naïve bilbies over 40 days.

Behavioural assays conducted in a small pen prior to reintroduction suggested that predator‐exposed bilbies were warier as they spent less time moving and more time in cover than predator naïve bilbies.

After translocation, predator‐exposed bilbies were more likely to survive to 40 days and were less likely to be preyed upon by cats than predator‐free bilbies.

Synthesis and applications. Naiveté towards predators is a major problem thwarting successful reintroductions world‐wide. Our study demonstrates that exposure to predators under controlled conditions can increase survival of reintroduced prey and is a promising approach to overcome the problem of naiveté towards introduced predators and the global problem of prey naiveté. Future conservation of naïve prey species may depend on such training methods prior to releasing into areas where predators are present.
Image quality comparison between model‐based iterative reconstruction and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction chest computed tomography in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Lin Sandra , Lin Monica , Lau Kenneth K
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Cystic fibrosis (CF) predominantly affects young adults. Accurate radiological assessment of pulmonary disease is vital for predicting exacerbations, one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the image quality of model‐based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) ultra‐low‐dose CT chest (ULD‐CT) in CF evaluation.

Methods

We compared ULD‐CT with standard adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) low‐dose CT (LD‐CT). Subjective assessment of contrast and noise were performed for each study. Background noise, signal to noise ratio (SNR) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) were calculated and compared between the CT studies. Conspicuity of major structures was assessed. These aspects of image quality were compared to determine whether ULD‐CT was superior to LD‐CT in assessment of CF.

Results

The ULD‐CT achieved median effective dose of 0.073 mSv, comparable to one standard chest radiograph and significantly lower than the median LD‐CT dose of 1.22 mSv. ULD‐CT had lower subjective contrast and higher subjective noise when compared to LD‐CT. Objectively measured background noise was lower in ULD‐CT (16.33 HU vs 38.53 HU, P < 0.0001) compared to LD‐CT. ULD‐CT had higher median CNR (52.65 vs 22.09, P < 0.0001) and SNR in lung (9.08 vs 7.29, P = 0.002) compared to LD‐CT. ULD‐CT was equal to LD‐CT in identification of trachea, bronchi, pleural and pericardium. Interobserver reliability showed agreement of 80–92%.

Conclusions

The image quality of ULD‐CT is similar to LD‐CT, at 1/16th the dose. MBIR constructed ULD‐CT is an effective imaging modality for CF surveillance, with potential applications in other disease settings.