bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a novel small molecule that inhibits deacetylase but not defatty-acylase reaction catalysed by SIRT2
Authors: Kudo Norio , Ito Akihiro , Arata Mayumi , Nakata Akiko , Yoshida Minoru
Published: April 2018

SIRT2 is a member of the human sirtuin family of proteins and possesses NAD
+
-dependent lysine deacetylase/deacylase activity. SIRT2 has been implicated in carcinogenesis in various cancers including leukaemia and is considered an attractive target for cancer therapy. Here, we identified NPD11033, a selective small-molecule SIRT2 inhibitor, by a high-throughput screen using the RIKEN NPDepo chemical library. NPD11033 was largely inactive against other sirtuins and zinc-dependent deacetylases. Crystallographic analysis revealed a unique mode of action, in which NPD11033 creates a hydrophobic cavity behind the substrate-binding pocket after a conformational change of the Zn-binding small domain of SIRT2. Furthermore, it forms a hydrogen bond to the active site histidine residue. In addition, NPD11033 inhibited cell growth of human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells with a concomitant increase in the acetylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A, a physiological substrate of SIRT2. Importantly, NPD11033 failed to inhibit defatty-acylase activity of SIRT2, despite its potent inhibitory effect on its deacetylase activity. Thus, NPD11033 will serve as a useful tool for both developing novel anti-cancer agents and elucidating the role of SIRT2 in various cellular biological processes.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Frontiers in epigenetic chemical biology’.
New chemical tools for probing activity and inhibition of the NAD
+
-dependent lysine deacylase sirtuin 2
Authors: Swyter Sören , Schiedel Matthias , Monaldi Daria , Szunyogh Sándor , Lehotzky Attila , Rumpf Tobias , Ovádi Judit , Sippl Wolfgang , Jung Manfred
Published: April 2018

Sirtuins are NAD
+
-dependent protein deacylases capable of cleaving off acetyl as well as other acyl groups from the ɛ-amino group of lysines in histones and other substrate proteins. They have been reported as promising drug targets, and thus modulators of their activity are needed as molecular tools to uncover their biological function and as potential therapeutics. Here, we present new assay formats that complement existing assays for sirtuin biochemistry and cellular target engagement. Firstly, we report the development of a homogeneous fluorescence-based activity assay using unlabelled acylated peptides. Upon deacylation, the free lysine residue reacts with fluorescamine to form a fluorophore. Secondly, using click chemistry with a TAMRA-azide on a propargylated sirtuin inhibitor, we prepared the first fluorescently labelled small-molecule inhibitor of Sirt2. This is used in a binding assay, which is based on fluorescence polarization. We used it successfully to map potential inhibitor-binding sites and also to show cellular Sirt2 engagement. By means of these new assays, we were able to identify and characterize novel Sirt2 inhibitors out of a focused library screen. The binding of the identified Sirt2 inhibitors was rationalized by molecular docking studies. These new chemical tools thus can enhance further sirtuin research.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Frontiers in epigenetic chemical biology'.
Impact of dietary gut microbial metabolites on the epigenome
Authors: Gerhauser Clarissa
Published: April 2018

Within the past decade, epigenetic mechanisms and their modulation by natural products have gained increasing interest. Dietary bioactive compounds from various sources, including green tea, soya, fruit and berries, cruciferous vegetables, whole grain foods, fish and others, have been shown to target enzymes involved in epigenetic gene regulation, including DNA methyltransferases, histone acetyltransferases, deacetylases and demethylasesin vitroand in cell culture. Also, many dietary agents were shown to alter miRNA expression.In vivostudies in animal models and humans are still limited. Recent research has indicated that the gut microbiota and gut microbial metabolites might be important mediators of diet–epigenome interactions. Inter-individual differences in the gut microbiome might affect release, metabolism and bioavailability of dietary agents and explain variability in response to intervention in human studies. Only a few microbial metabolites, including folate, phenolic acids,S-(−)equol, urolithins, isothiocyanates, and short- and long-chain fatty acids have been tested with respect to their potential to influence epigenetic mechanisms. Considering that a complex mixture of intermediary and microbial metabolites is present in human circulation, a more systematic interdisciplinary investigation of nutri-epigenetic activities and their impact on human health is called for.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Frontiers in epigenetic chemical biology’.
Targeting macrophage- and intestinal epithelial cell-specific microRNAs against norovirus restricts replication in vivo
Authors: Thorne Lucy , Lu Jia , Chaudhry Yasmin , Bailey Dalan , Goodfellow Ian
Published: April 2018

Until recently, our understanding of the cellular tropism of human norovirus (HuNoV), a major cause of viral gastroenteritis, has been limited. Immune cells and intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) have been proposed as targets of HuNoV replication in vivo, although the contribution of each to pathogenesis and transmission is unknown. Murine norovirus (MNV) is widely used as a surrogate model for HuNoV, as it replicates in cultured immune cells. The importance of the complete MNV immune cell tropism in vivo has not been determined. Recent work has linked replication in IECs to viral persistence in vivo. MNV provides a model to assess the relative contribution of each cell tropism to viral replication in immunocompetent native hosts. Here we exploited cell-specific microRNAs to control MNV replication, through insertion of microRNA target sequences into the MNV genome. We demonstrated the utility of this approach for MNV in vitro by selectively reducing replication in microglial cells, using microglial-specific miR-467c. We then showed that inserting a target sequence for the haematopoietic-specific miR-142-3p abrogated replication in a macrophage cell line. The presence of a target sequence for either miR-142-3p or IEC miR-215 significantly reduced viral secretion during the early stages of a persistent infection in immunocompetent mice, confirming that both cell types support viral replication in vivo. This study provides additional evidence that MNV shares the IEC tropism of HuNoVs in vivo, and now provides a model to dissect the contribution of replication in each cell type to viral pathogenesis and transmission in a native host.
CD117/c-kit Defines a Prostate CSC-Like Subpopulation Driving Progression and TKI Resistance
Authors: Harris Koran S. , Shi Lihong , Foster Brittni M. , Mobley Mary E. , Elliott Phyllis L. , Song Conner J. , Watabe Kounosuke , Langefeld Carl D. , Kerr Bethany A.
Published: April 2018

Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are associated with cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence, and may also represent a subset of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). In our prior study, CTCs in advanced prostate cancer patients were found to express CD117/c-kit in a liquid biopsy. Whether CD117 expression played an active or passive role in the aggressiveness and migration of these CTCs remained an open question. In this study, we show that CD117 expression in prostate cancer patients is associated with decreased overall and progression-free survival and that activation and phosphorylation of CD117 increases in prostate cancer patients with higher Gleason grades. To determine how CD117 expression and activation by its ligand stem cell factor (SCF, kit ligand, steel factor) alter prostate cancer aggressiveness, we used LNCaP-C4-2 and PC3-mm human prostate cancer cells, which contain a CD117+ subpopulation. We demonstrate that CD117+ cells display increased proliferation and migration. In prostaspheres, CD117 expression enhances sphere formation. In both 2D and 3D cultures, stemness marker gene expression is higher in CD117+ cells. Using xenograft limiting dilution assays and serial tumor initiation assays, we show that CD117+ cells represent a CSC population. Combined, these data indicate that CD117 expression potentially promotes tumor initiation and metastasis. Further, in cell lines, CD117 activation by SCF promotes faster proliferation and invasiveness, while blocking CD117 activation with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) decreased progression in a context-dependent manner. We demonstrate that CD117 expression and activation drives prostate cancer aggressiveness through the CSC phenotype and TKI resistance.
Generalised free energy and active inference: can the future cause the past?
Authors: Parr Thomas , Friston Karl J
Published: April 2018

We compare two free energy functionals for active inference under Markov decision processes. One of these is a functional of beliefs about states and policies, but a function of observations, while the second is a functional of beliefs about all three. In the former (expected free energy), prior beliefs about outcomes are not part of the generative model (because they are absorbed into the prior over policies). Conversely, in the second (generalised free energy); priors over outcomes become an explicit component of the generative model. When using the free energy function, which is blind to counterfactual (i.e., future) observations, we equip the generative model with a prior over policies that ensure preferred (i.e., priors over) outcomes are realised. In other words, selected policies minimise uncertainty about future outcomes by minimising the free energy expected in the future. When using the free energy functional – that effectively treats counterfactual observations as hidden states – we show that policies are inferred or selected that realise prior preferences by minimising the free energy of future expectations. Interestingly, the form of posterior beliefs about policies (and associated belief updating) turns out to be identical under both formulations, but the quantities used to compute them are not.
Three invariant Hi-C interaction patterns: applications to genome assembly
Authors: Oddes Sivan , Zelig Aviv , Kaplan Noam
Published: April 2018

Assembly of reference-quality genomes from next-generation sequencing data is a key challenge in genomics. Recently, we and others have shown that Hi-C data can be used to address several outstanding challenges in the field of genome assembly. This principle has since been developed in academia and industry, and has been used in the assembly of several major genomes. In this paper, we explore the central principles underlying Hi-C-based assembly approaches, by quantitatively defining and characterizing three invariant Hi-C interaction patterns on which these approaches can build: Intrachromosomal interaction enrichment, distance-dependent interaction decay and local interaction smoothness. Specifically, we evaluate to what degree each invariant pattern holds on a single locus level in different species, cell types and Hi-C map resolutions. We find that these patterns are generally consistent across species and cell types but are affected by sequencing depth, and that matrix balancing improves consistency of loci with all three invariant patterns. Finally, we overview current Hi-C-based assembly approaches in light of these invariant patterns and demonstrate how local interaction smoothness can be used to easily detect scaffolding errors in extremely sparse Hi-C maps. We suggest that simultaneously considering all three invariant patterns may lead to better Hi-C-based genome assembly methods.
Humans incorporate trial-to-trial working memory uncertainty into rewarded decisions
Authors: Honig Maija , Ma Wei Ji , Fougnie Daryl
Published: April 2018

In daily life, working memory plays an important role in action planning and decision-making. However, both the informational content of memory and how that information is used in decisions is poorly understood. To investigate this, we conducted a memory experiment where people not only reported an estimate of a remembered stimulus, but also made a rewarded decision designed to reflect memory uncertainty. Reported memory uncertainty is correlated with estimation error, showing people incorporate their trial-to-trial memory quality into rewarded decisions. Moreover, memory uncertainty can be combined with other sources of information; after we induced prior beliefs about stimuli probabilities, we found that estimates shifted towards more frequent colors, with the shift increasing with reported uncertainty. The data is best predicted by models where people incorporate their trial-to-trial memory uncertainty with potential rewards and prior beliefs, highlighting the importance of studying working memory as a process integrated with decision-making.
Transcription Factor Regulation of RNA polymerase’s Torsional Capacity
Authors: Ma Jie , Tan Chuang , Gao Xiang , Fulbright Robert M. , Roberts Jeffrey W. , Wang Michelle D.
Published: April 2018

During transcription, RNA polymerase (RNAP) supercoils DNA as it forsward-translocates. Accumulation of this torsional stress in DNA can become a roadblock for an elongating RNAP and thus should be subject to regulation during transcription. Here, we investigate whether, and how, a transcription factor may regulate the torque generation capacity of RNAP and torque-induced RNAP stalling. Using a real-time assay based on an angular optical trap, we found that under a resisting torque, RNAP was highly prone to extensive backtracking. However, the presence of GreB, a transcription factor that facilitates the cleavage of the 3’ end of the extruded RNA transcript, greatly suppressed backtracking and remarkably increased the torque that RNAP was able to generate by 65%, from 11.2 to 18.5 pN·nm. Analysis of the real-time trajectories of RNAP position at a stall revealed the kinetic parameters of backtracking and GreB rescue. These results demonstrate that backtracking is the primary mechanism that limits transcription against DNA supercoiling and the transcription factor GreB effectively enhances the torsional capacity of RNAP. These findings broaden the potential impact of transcription factors on RNAP functionality.
Epitope-based vaccine design yields fusion peptide-directed antibodies that neutralize diverse strains of HIV-1
Authors: Xu Kai , Acharya Priyamvada , Kong Rui , Cheng Cheng , Chuang Gwo-Yu , Liu Kevin , Louder Mark K. , O’Dell Sijy , Rawi Reda , Sastry Mallika , Shen Chen-Hsiang , Zhang Baoshan , Zhou Tongqing , Asokan Mangaiarkarasi , Bailer Robert T. , Chambers Michael , Chen Xuejun , Choi Chang W. , Dandey Venkata P. , Doria-Rose Nicole A. , Druz Aliaksandr , Eng Edward T. , Farney S. Katie , Foulds Kathryn E. , Geng Hui , Georgiev Ivelin S. , Gorman Jason , Hill Kurt R. , Jafari Alexander J. , Kwon Young D. , Lai Yen-Ting , Lemmin Thomas , McKee Krisha , Ohr Tiffany Y. , Ou Li , Peng Dongjun , Rowshan Ariana P. , Sheng Zizhang , Todd John-Paul , Tsybovsky Yaroslav , Viox Elise G. , Wang Yiran , Wei Hui , Yang Yongping , Zhou Amy F. , Chen Rui , Yang Lu , Scorpio Diana G. , McDermott Adrian B. , Shapiro Lawrence , Carragher Bridget , Potter Clinton S. , Mascola John R. , Kwong Peter D.
Published: April 2018

A central goal of HIV-1-vaccine research is the elicitation of antibodies capable of neutralizing diverse primary isolates of HIV-1. Here we show that focusing the immune response to exposed N-terminal residues of the fusion peptide, a critical component of the viral entry machinery and the epitope of antibodies elicited by HIV-1 infection, through immunization with fusion peptide-coupled carriers and prefusion-stabilized envelope trimers, induces cross-clade neutralizing responses. In mice, these immunogens elicited monoclonal antibodies capable of neutralizing up to 31% of a cross-clade panel of 208 HIV-1 strains. Crystal and cryo-electron microscopy structures of these antibodies revealed fusion peptide-conformational diversity as a molecular explanation for the cross-clade neutralization. Immunization of guinea pigs and rhesus macaques induced similarly broad fusion peptide-directed neutralizing responses suggesting translatability. The N terminus of the HIV-1-fusion peptide is thus a promising target of vaccine efforts aimed at eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Evaluation of lung VEGF-A transduction during hyperoxia-induced injury in rats
Authors: Raoul William , Louzier Vanessa , Eddahibi Saadia , Adnot Serge , Maitre Bernard , Delclaux Christophe
Published: April 2018

Background

Since Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a main factor for endothelial survival, we evaluated whether VEGF transduction could ameliorate hyperoxia induced injury, which is associated with predominant endothelial injury.

Methods and Results

Transduction (induced 48 hours before hyperoxic exposure) using adenoviral vector (Ad.) for VEGF (1010 viral particles [VP]) increased moderately survival under hyperoxia (fraction of inspired oxygen [FIO2] >95%) as compared with Ad.Null (1010 VP) transduction, whereas VEGF transduction with a lower dose (5.109 VP) had no effect. After 48 hours of hyperoxia, Ad.VEGF transduction increased lung VEGF concentration, prevented the diffuse loss of capillary bed and induced patchy areas of endothelial cell proliferation (CD31 immunostaining) with interstitial inflammatory cell recruitment as compared to Ad. Null transduction. Hyperoxia was associated with diffuse apoptosis that was inhibited only in patchy areas of endothelial proliferation under VEGF transduction. Hyperoxia-induced alveolar inflammation was similar with Ad.Null and Ad.VEGF. Under normoxia, the high dose of VEGF transduction induced diffuse alveolar inflammation whereas the low dose did not suggesting a pro-inflammatory effect of VEGF that may have participated to increased survival under hyperoxia.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that lung VEGF-A transduction despite inhibition of the loss of capillary bed has a marginal effect of on animal survival during hyperoxia-induced injury.
Transient Magnetothermal Neuronal Silencing using the Chloride Channel Anoctamin1 (TMEM16A)
Authors: Munshi Rahul , Qadri Shahnaz , Pralle Arnd
Published: April 2018

The importance of specific neurons to a network’s function is best studied by precisely timed, reversible silencing of these neurons. Previously, we showed that alternating magnetic field mediated heating of magnetic nanoparticles bound to neurons expressing temperature-sensitive cation channels TRPV1, stimulates these neurons to fire and affects animal behavior in vivo (Munshi et al., 2017). Here, we demonstrate how to apply magnetic nanoparticle mediated heating to silence target neurons. Rat hippocampal neuron cultures are transfected to express the temperature gated chloride Anoctamin1 (TMEM16A) channels. Within seconds the heating of the membrane opens the Anoctamin1 (TMEM16A) channels, suppressing action potential firing. Five seconds of magnetic field application leads to about 12 seconds of silencing, with a latency of about 2 seconds and an average suppression ratio of more than 80%. The method provides a promising avenue for tether free, remote, transient neuronal silencing in vivo for both scientific and therapeutic applications.
Analytical strategies to include the X-chromosome in variance heterogeneity analyses: evidence for trait-specific polygenic variance structure
Authors: Deng Wei Q. , Mao Shihong , Kalnapenkis Anette , Esko Tõnu , Mägi Reedik , Paré Guillaume , Sun Lei
Published: April 2018

Genotype-stratified variance of a quantitative trait could differ in the presence of gene-gene or gene-environment interactions. Genetic markers associated with phenotypic variance are thus considered promising candidates for follow-up interaction or joint location-scale analyses. However, as in studies of main effects, the X-chromosome is routinely excluded from ‘whole-genome’ scans due to analytical challenges. Specifically, as males carry only one copy of the X-chromosome, the inherent sex-genotype dependency could bias the trait-genotype association, through sexual dimorphism in quantitative traits with sex-specific means or variances. Here we investigate phenotypic variance heterogeneity associated with X-chromosome SNPs and propose valid and powerful strategies. Among those, a generalized Levene’s test has adequate power and remains robust to sexual dimorphism. An alternative approach is sex-stratified analysis but at the cost of slightly reduced power and modeling flexibility. We applied both methods to an Estonian study of gene expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL; n=841), and two complex trait studies of height, hip and waist circumferences, and body mass index from multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA; n=2,073) and UK Biobank (UKB; n=327,393). Consistent with previous eQTL findings on mean, we found some but no conclusive evidence for cis regulators being enriched for variance association. SNP rs2681646 is associated with variance of waist circumference (p=9.5E-07) at X-chromosome-wide significance in UKB, with a suggestive female-specific effect in MESA (p=0.048). Collectively, an enrichment analysis using permutated UKB (p<1/10) and MESA (p<1/100) datasets, suggests a possible polygenic structure for the variance of human height.
Physical and functional cell-matrix uncoupling in a developing tissue under tension
Authors: Proag Amsha , Monier Bruno , Suzanne Magali
Published: April 2018

Tissue mechanics play a crucial role in organ development. It relies on cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanical properties, but also on their reciprocal interaction. The relative physical contribution of cells and ECM to morphogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we dissected the mechanics of the envelope of theDrosophiladeveloping leg, an epithelium submitted to a number of mechanical stresses: first stretched, it is then torn apart and withdrawn to free the leg. During stretching, we found that mechanical tension is entirely borne by the ECM at first, then by the cellular monolayer as soon as they detach themselves from one another. Then, each envelope layer is removed by an independent mechanism: while ECM withdraws following local proteolysis, cellular monolayer withdrawal is independent of ECM degradation and driven by an autonomous myosin-II-dependent contraction. These results reveal a physical and functional cell-matrix uncoupling that could timely control tissue dynamics during development.
Pay gap, inventor promotion and corporate technology innovation
Authors: Zhao Qifeng , Wang Yongzhong
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the pay gap between the management and ordinary employees influence corporate technology innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study built a tournament model based on inventor innovation and career promotion. In addition, the authors use IV-GMM estimation method to address the possible endogeneity issue in the regressions.

Findings

Based on the unbalanced panel data of patents and pay gap in 1,501 Chinese listed manufacturing firms during 2001-2015, this paper finds that the pay gap could lead inventor innovation and improve technology innovation. The pay gap could encourage corporate innovation significantly: 1 percent increase in pay gap may increase the number of patents by 2 percent in the next year. The pay gap between the management and ordinary employees facilitates corporate innovation via two possible channels. First, inventor innovation and career promotion. Inventors are selected into the management mainly based on their innovation output. The larger the pay gap, the more innovation incentives and patents would gain. Second, investment increase in technology innovation. The pay gap and more patents that inventors gain would increase the ratio of inventors promoted to the management, who tend to pour more resources into R&D activities and absorb more inventors to the management due to their sectionalism and R&D preference. The above two channels constitute a positive feedback mechanism among technology innovation, inventor promotion and increase in R&D investment.

Research limitations/implications

This paper highlights that pay gap between the management and ordinary employees is an important issue that could encourage corporate innovation. The conclusions imply that pay gap could encourage inventors to work hard and produce more patents, which could help them to enter into the management such as executives or directors.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the current literature by implying that pay gap could have positive effects on innovation through theoretical and empirical analysis. Also, this study finds that inventor promotion due to the pay gap is a critical channel to stimulate corporate technology innovation.
Customer satisfaction/delight and behavioural intentions of cell phone network customers – an emerging market perspective
Authors: Roberts-Lombard Mornay , Petzer Daniël Johannes
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the extent to which the satisfaction/delight experienced by customers of cell phone network service providers is influenced by their perceptions of the networks’ employee service delivery skills and the value that the customers derive from the networks’ offerings. In turn, the influence of the extent of their satisfaction/delight on future behavioural intention (BI) is determined.

Design/methodology/approach

A descripto-explanatory research design is followed and data are collected from satisfied/delighted cell phone network service provider customers using self-administered questionnaires. A total of 593 responses were suitable for analysis. An exploratory factor analysis is used to uncover the interrelationships between the items measuring the study’s constructs. Furthermore, the measurement and structural models are assessed.

Findings

Perceived employee service delivery skills (PESDS) and value significantly and positively influence customer satisfaction/delight experiences, whereas customer satisfaction/delight experiences significantly and positively influence their BIs.

Research limitations/implications

The model tested confirms the hypothesised relationships between PESDS, perceived value, customer satisfaction/delight experiences and BIs of cell phone network customers. Customer satisfaction/delight experiences are linked to their two antecedents (PESDS and value) and their outcome, BI.

Practical implications

The findings assist cell phone network service providers in understanding how PESDS and value can foster customer delight, ultimately leading to positive BIs from customers.

Originality/value

This study focuses only on satisfied customers and determines the interrelationships of the extent to which they encounter customer satisfaction/delight experiences and related constructs. Few research studies, however, have examined how customer satisfaction/delight experiences relate to its antecedents and outcome.
Keggfarms Pvt. Ltd: a social enterprise and a way of life
Authors: Rizvi Saima , Teckchandany Shivani
Published: April 2018

Subject area

Entrepreneurship, Design thinking and innovation, Strategy, Social entrepreneurship and rural markets, Business at the base of pyramid, Sustainability and leadership.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate and Post Graduate Students

Case overview

Keggfarms Private Ltd was a private company started by Mr Vinod Kapur, a social entrepreneur who wanted to create a scalable social impact with his endeavor, which was the first of its kind outside the developed world. Keggfarms was established in 1967 with the aim of creating a business model which could benefit the rural sector by generating income and also enabling nutritional self-sufficiency. The case study aims to explore the sustainable model which had survived for 48 years without a push strategy and without a sole focus on profit. The business had spread to around 19 states in India, and the enterprise had decided to replicate a similar business model in the African continent. The social enterprise had aimed to touch the lives of millions of people in poverty by providing them with a low cost chicken – Kuroiler, which could survive the harsh weather and environmental conditions of rural India.

Expected learning outcomes

The study will help students to understand how social enterprises are born and built from the vision of the founder; how social capital is generated in the economy and how a blue ocean strategy was applied in this case to build a sustainable and financially viable social entrepreneurship model.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship
Experiences with a universal mindfulness and well-being programme at a UK medical school
Authors: Stewart-Brown Sarah , Cader Mizaya , Walker Thomas , Janjua Sabah , Hanson Emma , Chilton Anne-Marie
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the evaluation of a universal, mental well-being and mindfulness programme in a UK graduate entry medical school.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed methods used in the paper were the measurement of mental well-being and mindfulness in two cohorts at three time points over 15 months; descriptive, regression and repeated measures analysis with post hoc pairwise comparisons; qualitative interviews with purposive sample of 13 students after one year analysed thematically; and spontaneous anonymous feedback on the course.

Findings

The course was a surprise to students, and reactions were mixed. Respect for its contents grew over the first year. Most students had actively implemented a well-being strategy by the end of the course, and an estimated quarter was practicing some mindful activity. In the context of an overall decline in well-being and limited engagement with mindfulness practice, increases in mindfulness were protective against this decline in both cohorts (p<001). A small minority of students thought that the course was a waste of time. Their attitudes influenced engagement by their peers. The mindfulness and well-being practices of the facilitators were evident to students and influenced perceived effects.

Research limitations/implications

The uncontrolled nature of this observational study and low response rates to the survey limit conclusions. Further research in other medical education settings is needed.

Practical implications

Results are encouraging, suggesting modest benefit in terms of changing attitudes and practices and a modest protective effect on the well-being of students who engaged.

Originality/value

This is the first study of a universal well-being and mindfulness programme in a UK medical school. Universal programmes are rare and evaluation studies are scarce.
Randomized controlled trial of educational intervention to increase consumption of vegetables by Japanese university students
Authors: Ohtsuki Makoto , Shibata Katsumi , Fukuwatari Tutomu , Sasaki Yuko , Nakai Kunihiko
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention to increase vegetable consumption by university students.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is an open, parallel randomized controlled trial for 25 weeks. University students aged 18-24 years were divided into an intervention group (n=52) and a control group (n=52). Vegetable intake was assessed using a questionnaire.

Findings

On investigation, the results indicated that the vegetable intake of the intervention group was well maintained at the end of the study, whereas that of the control group was significantly decreased by the seasonal change. This research showed that using three educational projects could significantly improve the vegetable consumption of university students.

Research limitations/implications

These results suggest that the educational approach is a promising method to improve the vegetable consumption status, particularly the consumption of green and yellow vegetables, by university students.

Originality/value

This parallel randomized controlled study investigated intervention via educational approaches, including a lecture on the nutritional significance of vegetable intake, a tour of an agricultural farm, and learning of cooking skills, focusing on increasing the consumption of vegetables by university students. Although there have been many intervention studies aimed at improving intake of vegetables in the world, there have been no intervention studies on the vegetable intake of young adults in Japan.
Stern review on the economics of climate change: implications for Bangladesh
Authors: Roy Apurba , Haider Mohammed Ziaul
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of climate change on economic development in Bangladesh. More specifically, the research aims to figure out the influence of climate change on gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate related to different sectors such as agriculture, forest, water, health and infrastructure. It also attempts to explore the effect of climate change on the coastal economy of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of statistical and econometric techniques, including descriptive and correlation analysis and time series regression model, was applied to address the objective of the research. Sector-wise time series economic data were collected from the World Bank for the period between 1971 and 2013. Climate data were received from the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council online database for the period between 1948 and 2013.

Findings

The results from the statistical analysis show that climate variables such as temperature and rainfall have changed between 1948 and 2013 in the context of Bangladesh. The econometric regression analysis demonstrates that an increase by 1°C of annual mean temperature leads to a decrease in the GDP growth rate by 0.44 per cent on average, which is statistically significant at the 5 per cent level. On the other hand, the estimated coefficients of agriculture, industry, services, urbanization and export are positively associated with GDP growth rate, and these are statistically significant at the 1 per cent level. Sector-wise correlation analysis provides statistical evidence that climate change is negatively associated with various sectors, such as agriculture, forest, human health and arable land. In contrast, it has a positive relation to water access and electricity consumption. Analysis of coastal regions shows that climate change negatively affects the local economic sectors of the coastal zone of the country.

Originality/value

Although this study has received significant insight from the world-renowned research publication “The Economics of Climate Change: The Stern Review”, there is a dearth of research on the economic impact of climate change in the context of Bangladesh. The findings of the paper provide deep insight into and comprehensive views of policy makers on the impact of climate change on economic growth and various sectors in Bangladesh.
The potential of strategic environmental assessment to reduce disaster risks through climate change adaptation in the coastal zone of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Suzaul , Zhang Yanrong
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the potential of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) to mainstream consideration of climate change adaptation (CCA) in Bangladesh, particularly for the coastal zone, to improve disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies in this region. Continuing climate risks require adaptation at all levels of society. The densely populated and resource-rich coastal zone of Bangladesh is at risk to the impacts of climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on secondary sources (gray and published literature) of information on climate change impacts on the coastal zone of Bangladesh. The sources include research reports, online publications, governmental reports, scientific journals, international reports, books, journal articles and other academic resources on SEA, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and DRR. In addition to examining SEA in Bangladesh, this paper investigates SEA cases in different countries to obtain insights from the successful application of SEA for CCA.

Findings

The paper draws on several cases from different countries demonstrating that SEA has a significant potential to coordinate CCA objectives. The findings reveal that the appropriate use of SEA can enable DRR through CCA.

Originality/value

This study argues that SEA has a potential role in supporting CCA.
Citizens’ support for rival modes of political involvement in energy policy-making. The case of Finland in 2007-2016
Authors: Ruostetsaari Ilkka
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to test citizens’ attitudes on political involvement in energy policy-making that has generally seen to be dominated by experts and business interests and been relatively closed to citizen involvement. The study asks whether citizens are willing to participate politically more through political consumerism (i.e., consumption choices) or through representative democracy and if citizens are willing to assign decision-making to the experts representing public administration and business, as stealth democracy asserts.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodologically, the study is based on postal surveys conducted in 2007 and 2016 among a random sample representing Finns who were 18-75 years of age.

Findings

Political consumerism and stealth democracy were not considered as alternative and detached modes for electoral participation but rather as complementary. However, adherence to stealth democracy was a reaction of people who feel powerlessness in the face of the regime, while the supporters of political consumerism had a higher trust in their ability to influence.

Originality/value

The study is the first one which empirically compares citizens’ support for these three modes of involvement, and it generates new knowledge for the scholars and decision-makers when planning citizen role in (energy) policy-making.
A study of PID and L1 adaptive control for automatic balancing of a spacecraft three-axis simulator
Authors: Hua Bing , Chen Lin , Wu Yunhua , Chen Zhiming
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The three-axis simulator relies on the air film between the air bearing and the bearing seat to achieve weightlessness and the frictionless motion condition, which is essential for simulating the micro-disturbance torque of a satellite in outer space. However, at the beginning of the experiment, the disturbance torque caused by the misalignment between the center of gravity of the simulator and the center of rotation of the bearing is the most important factor restricting the use of the space three-axis simulator. In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to set the balance adjustment system on the simulator to compensate the disturbance torque caused by the eccentricity. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a study of L1 adaptive automatic balancing control method for micro satellite with motor without other actuators is proposed. L1 adaptive control algorithm adds the low-pass filter to the control law, which in a certain sense to reduce the high-frequency signal and speed up the response time of the controlled system. At the same time, by estimating the adaptive parameter uncertainty in object, the output error of the state predictor and the controlled object can be stabilized under Lyapunov condition, and the robustness of the system is also improved. The automatic balancing method of PID is also studied in this paper.

Findings

Through this automatic balancing mechanism, the gravity disturbance torque can be effectively reduced down to 10−6 Nm, and the automatic balancing time can be controlled within 7 s.

Originality/value

This paper introduces an automatic balancing mechanism. The experimental results show that the mechanism can greatly improve the convergence speed while guaranteeing the control accuracy, and ensuring the feasibility of the large angle maneuver of spacecraft three-axis simulator.
Research and development projects
Authors: Ram Jiwat , Ronggui Ding
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Leadership behaviour of R&D project managers (RDPMs) is a matter of ongoing interest, as they require a number of traits in order to potentially influence the delivery of projects. However, little empirical evidence exists on factors explaining the traits of RDPMs, making it difficult for industry managers to develop tailored strategies and criteria for selecting people with right skills and behaviours. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap in knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors test 45 traits with data from a survey of 208 RDPMs, using exploratory factor analysis to establish factors of RDPMs’ traits and the associated measurement items.

Findings

The study finds that selected 45 traits can be consolidated in a set of higher order variables/factors that RDPMs need to have including creativity, reasoning and learning; risks and failure acceptance; analytical and originality attributes; realistic and objective approach among others.

Research limitations/implications

The study shows that traits have strong inter-relationship represented by empirically robust underlying factors.

Practical implications

Practically, the results will help industry mangers in implementing tailored strategies in consolidated areas (as identified through factors) and be more effective in skills and competencies development of research and development staff and potentially save costs on human inventory management.

Originality/value

The study empirically established new managerial and leadership behavioural factors.
Entrepreneurship education program as value creation
Authors: Aldianto Leo , Anggadwita Grisna , Umbara Aang Noviyana
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of inputs and processes to the output of entrepreneurship education programs (EEPs) in universities in Bandung, Indonesia. The input here is related to the audience, institutional setting and type. The process includes the objective, content and teaching method. The output is represented by entrepreneurial knowledge, entrepreneurial spirit and entrepreneurial behavior. Meanwhile, this study tries to reflect that inputs, processes and outputs in EEPs to create value for students.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides empirical evidence of how the influence of inputs and processes on output of EEPs. The results are based on survey data collected at universities in Bandung, Indonesia. A total of 222 respondents participated in filling questionnaires. Structural equation modeling is used to test the proposed hypothesis.

Findings

The study found that inputs are positively and significantly related to the process of EEP. The study also point out that processes have positive and significant effect on the output of EEP. Meanwhile, the inputs have negative and insignificant effect on the output of EEP. The study concludes that EEPs should be integrated in providing learning to students in encouraging business creation through the identification of inputs, processes and outputs so as to provide insight into how to manage value creation.

Practical implications

The study is valuable from a university and government perspective, as it highlights the most effective EEP for creating value that is an increase in the number of young entrepreneurs and business creation.

Originality/value

This study adds knowledge based on students’ perspectives at universities by demonstrating the importance of inputs and processes for EEP output as value creation in giving impact for students to be entrepreneurs.
Structure of health-care dyad leadership: an organization’s experience
Authors: Saxena Anurag , Davies Maura , Philippon Don
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This study aims to explore the structural aspects (roles, responsibilities and reporting) of dyad leadership in one health-care organization (HCO).

Design/methodology/approach

The perceptions of 32 leaders (17 physician leaders and 15 dyad co-leaders) in formal leadership positions (six first-level with formal authority limited to teams or divisions, 23 middle-level with wider departmental or program responsibility and three senior-level with institution-wide authority) were obtained through focus groups and surveys. In addition, five senior leaders were interviewed. Descriptive statistics was used for quantitative data, and qualitative data were analyzed for themes by coding and categorization.

Findings

There are a large number of shared responsibilities in the hybrid model, as most activities in HCOs bridge administrative and professional spheres. These span the leadership (e.g. global performance and quality improvement) and management (e.g. human resources, budgets and education delivery) domains. The individual responsibilities, except for staff and physician engagement are in the management domain (e.g. operations and patient care). Both partners are responsible for joint decision-making, projecting a united front and joint reporting through a quadrat format. The mutual relationship and joint accountability are key characteristics and are critical to addressing potential conflicts and contradictions and achieving coherence.

Practical implications

Clarity of role will assist development of standardized job descriptions and required competencies, recruitment and leadership development.

Originality/value

This is an original empirical study presenting an integrated view of dyad leaders and senior leadership, meaningful expansion of shared responsibilities including academic functions and developing mutual relationship and emphasizing the central role of stability generating management functions.
Is distributed leadership a driving factor of innovation ambidexterity? An empirical study with mediating and moderating effects
Authors: Fu Lihua , Liu Zhiying , Liao Suqin
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how and when distributed leadership (DL) enhances innovation ambidexterity by considering knowledge sharing as a mediator and element of organizational structure as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

Data obtained from 269 questionnaires were analyzed empirically to reveal the relationship of the variables.

Findings

The results suggest that DL has a positive effect on innovation ambidexterity, and the relationship was partially mediated by knowledge sharing. Connectedness positively moderated the relationship between knowledge sharing and innovation ambidexterity.

Practical implications

The complexity and ambiguity that organizations often experience increases the difficulty for a single leader to successfully perform necessary leadership functions. The results show that DL is crucial to the promotion of innovation ambidexterity.

Originality/value

By building on organizational learning theory and integrating insights from knowledge creation theory, this study extends the prior research by uncovering the mechanism through which DL promotes innovation ambidexterity and the moderating effect of informal organizational structure.