bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome computational workbench (TCW): analysis of single and comparative transcriptomes
Authors: Soderlund Carol A.
Published: August 2019

De novo transcriptome sequencing and analysis provides a way for researchers of non-model organisms to explore the differences between various conditions and species. The results are typically not definitive but will lead to new hypotheses to study. Therefore, it is important that the results be reproducible, extensible, queryable, and easily available to all members of the team. Towards this end, the Transcriptome Computational Workbench (TCW) is a software package to perform basic computations for transcriptome analysis (singleTCW) and comparative analysis (multiTCW). It is a Java-based desktop application that uses MySQL for the TCW database. The input to singleTCW is sequence and optional count files; the computations are sequence similarity, gene ontology (GO), open reading frame (ORF), and differential expression (DE). TCW provides support for searching with the super-fast DIAMOND program against UniProt taxonomic databases, though the user can provide other databases to search against. The ORF finder uses hit information, 5th-order Markov models and ORF length. For DE and GO enrichment, TCW interfaces with the R environment and an R script, where R scripts are provided for popular methods. The input to multiTCW is multiple singleTCW databases; the computations are homologous pair assignment, pairwise analysis (e.g. Ka/Ks) from codon-based alignments, clustering (bidirectional best hit, Closure, Best Hit, OrthoMCL, user-supplied), and cluster analysis and annotation. Both singleTCW and multiTCW provide a graphical interface for extensive query and display of the data and results. Example results are presented from two rhizome and one non-rhizome plant, where one of the rhizome plants has replicate count data from four tissues. The supplement describes how to reproduce all tables and figures. The TCW V4 software is freely available at https://github.com/csoderlund/TCW; the package contains the jar files, external software, and demo files.
Reconstructed protein sequence evolution consistent with the evolution of C4 photosynthesis via a C2 ancestor in the Paniceae
Authors: Carvalho Daniel S. , Kenchanmane Raju Sunil Kumar , Zhang Yang , Schnable James C.
Published: August 2019

The grass tribe Paniceae includes a monophyletic subclade of species, the MPC clade, which specialize in each of the three primary C4 sub-pathways NADP-ME, NAD-ME and PCK. The evolutionary history of C4 photosynthesis in this subclade remains ambiguous. Leveraging newly sequenced grass genomes and syntenic orthology data, we estimated rates of protein sequence evolution on ancestral branches for both core enzymes shared across different C4 sub-pathways and enzymes specific to C4 sub-pathways. While core enzymes show elevated rates of protein sequence evolution in ancestral branches consistent with a transition from C3 to C4 photosynthesis in the ancestor for this clade, no subtype specific enzymes showed similar patterns. At least one protein involved in photorespiration also showed elevated rates of protein sequence evolution in the ancestral branch. The set of core C4 enzymes examined here combined with the photorespiratory pathway are necessary for the C2 photosynthetic cycle, a previously proposed intermediate between C3 and C4 photosynthesis. The patterns reported here are consistent with, but not conclusive proof that, C4 photosynthesis in the MPC clade of the Paniceae evolved via a C2 intermediate.
Structured connectivity exploits NMDA non-linearities to enable flexible encoding of multiple memoranda in a PFC circuit model
Authors: Stefanos Stefanou S. , Papoutsi Athanasia , Poirazi Panayiota
Published: August 2019

Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) exerts control on action selection and mediates behavioral flexibility during working memory (WM) task execution, when integration and retention of sensory information takes place. We used biophysical circuit modelling to investigate the dendritic, neuronal and circuit mechanisms that underlie these computations, aiming to causally link these three processing levels. Our simulations predict that dendritic NMDA non-linearities drive distinct activity dynamics of the same network, thus enabling adaptive coding in the absence of plasticity mechanisms. Specifically, we find that distinct assemblies of mixed-selectivity neurons emerge and fire in stable trajectories in a stimulus-dependent manner. Synaptic inputs that are spatio-temporally clustered, as provided by the structured connectivity of the PFC, facilitate these activity dynamics, thus further increasing the flexibility of the network. Our study suggests that behavioral flexibility may result from the formation of memoranda-specific assemblies in the PFC which are utilized dynamically in relation to the task at hand.
Movement abilities and brain development in preschoolers born very preterm
Authors: Hasler Holly M. , Fuller Martha G. , Vaucher Yvonne E. , Brown Timothy T. , Stiles Joan , Dale Anders M. , Jernigan Terry L. , Akshoomoff Natacha
Published: August 2019

Aim

To examine how healthy preschoolers born very preterm (VPT) with and without significant movement impairments differ from full term (FT) controls in subcortical brain volume measures and white matter diffusion properties.

Method

A case-control, observational study of fifty-four VPT-born and 32 FT-born children were administered the Movement Assessment Battery for Children – Second Edition (MABC-2) and underwent MRI within 6-months of starting kindergarten. Selected subcortical structural volumes, fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean diffusivity (MD) of selected white matter tracts were compared across VPT children with movement impairments (VPT-abnormal), and VPT and FT children without movement impairments.

Results

The VPT-abnormal group had higher MD in the corpus callosum and inferior frontal-occipital fasciculus and lower FA in the anterior thalamic radiations, corpus callosum, and cingulum than the FT group. The forceps major was particularly affected in the VPT-abnormal group compared with the VPT and FT groups without movement impairments. Both VPT groups had reduced brainstem and cerebellar white matter volumes and larger lateral ventricles compared to the FT group.

Interpretation

Movement impairments in healthy VPT preschoolers were associated with more abnormalities in white matter integrity and reduced subcortical brain volumes most likely reflecting a greater extent of white matter damage associated with their very preterm birth.
A Universal Proximity CRISPR Cas12a Assay for Ultrasensitive Detection of Nucleic Acids and Proteins
Authors: Li Yongya , Mansour Hayam , Tang Yanan , Li Feng
Published: August 2019

Herein, we describe a proximity CRISPR Cas12a assay that harnesses “collateral” single-stranded DNase activity of Cas12a as a universal amplifier for the ultrasensitive detection of nucleic acids and proteins. The target recognition is achieved through proximity binding rather than recognition by CRISPR RNA (crRNA), which allows the flexible assay design and expansion to proteins. A binding-induced primer extension reaction is then used to generate a predesigned CRISPR-targetable sequence as a barcode for signal amplification. We demonstrate that our assay is highly sensitive and universal. As low as 1 fM nucleic acid target could be detected isothermally in a homogeneous solution via the integration with nicking cleavage. We’ve also successfully adapted the assay for the sensitive and wash-free detection of antibodies in both buffer and diluted human serum samples.
Augmenting propulsion demands during split-belt walking increases locomotor adaptation in the asymmetric motor system
Authors: Sombric Carly J. , Torres-Oviedo Gelsy
Published: August 2019

Background

Promising studies have shown that the mobility of individuals with hemiparesis due to brain lesions, such as stroke, can improve through motor adaptation protocols forcing patients to use their affected limb more. However, little is known about how to facilitate this process. Here we asked if increasing propulsion demands during split-belt walking (i.e., legs moving at different speeds) leads to more motor adaptation and more symmetric gait in survivors of a stroke, as we previously observed in subjects without neurological disorders.

Methods

We investigated the effect of propulsion forces on locomotor adaptation during and after split-belt walking in the asymmetric motor system post-stroke. To test this, 12 subjects in the chronic phase post-stroke experienced a split-belt protocol in a flat and incline session so as to contrast the effects of two different propulsion demands. Step length asymmetry and propulsion forces were used to compare the motor behavior between the two sessions because these are clinically relevant measures that are altered by split-belt walking.

Results

The incline session resulted in more symmetric step lengths during late split-belt walking and larger after-effects following split-belt walking. In both testing sessions, subjects who have had a stroke adapted to regain speed and slope-specific leg orientations similarly to young, intact adults. Importantly, leg orientations during baseline walking were predictive of those achieved during split-belt walking, which in turn predicted each individual’s post-adaptation behavior.

Conclusion

These results indicated that survivors of a stroke can adapt their movements to meet leg-specific kinetic demands. This promising finding suggests that augmenting propulsion demands during split-belt walking could favor symmetric walking in individuals who had a stroke, possibly making split-belt interventions a more effective gait rehabilitation strategy.
Personality and boredom at work: the mediating role of job crafting
Authors: Oprea Bogdan , Iliescu Dragos , Burtăverde Vlad , Dumitrache Miruna
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Boredom at work is associated with negative consequences, therefore it is important to investigate whether employees engage in job crafting behaviors that reduce boredom and what are the individual differences associated with these behaviors. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire study was designed to examine the mediating role of job crafting in the relationship between conscientiousness and emotional stability and boredom among 252 employees (Study 1) and in the relationship between Machiavellianism and psychopathy and boredom among 216 employees (Study 2).

Findings

The results showed that conscientiousness is negatively related to work-related boredom. This relationship is mediated by job crafting. Neuroticism and psychopathy are positively associated with boredom at work, but these relationships are not mediated by job crafting behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

The study was based on self-reported measures, which might raise questions of common-method bias, and the research samples contained mostly women and young employees, which raises questions about generalizability of our findings. At the same time, the cross-sectional design does not allow causal inferences.

Practical implications

Organizations can select employees based on their personality for jobs that predispose to boredom and give them enough autonomy to be able to craft them. Moreover, they can identify employees who need support to manage their boredom and include them in job crafting interventions.

Originality/value

Traditionally, boredom at work has been considered as resulting from characteristics of tasks and jobs. The findings indicate that some employees can make self-initiated changes to their work in order to reduce their boredom and possibly its negative consequences.
A practical comparison between the spectral techniques in solving the SDEs
Authors: El-Beltagy Mohamed
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The paper aims to compare and clarify the differences and between the two well-known decomposition spectral techniques; the Winer–Chaos expansion (WCE) and the Winer–Hermite expansion (WHE). The details of the two decompositions are outlined. The difficulties arise when using the two techniques are also mentioned along with the convergence orders. The reader can also find a collection of references to understand the two decompositions with their origins. The geometrical Brownian motion is considered as an example for an important process with exact solution for the sake of comparison. The two decompositions are found practical in analysing the SDEs. The WCE is, in general, simpler, while WHE is more efficient as it is the limit of WCE when using infinite number of random variables. The Burgers turbulence is considered as a nonlinear example and WHE is shown to be more efficient in detecting the turbulence. In general, WHE is more efficient especially in case of nonlinear and/or non-Gaussian processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlined the technical and literature review of the WCE and WHE techniques. Linear and nonlinear processes are compared to outline the comparison along with the convergence of both techniques.

Findings

The paper shows that both decompositions are practical in solving the stochastic differential equations. The WCE is found simpler and WHE is the limit when using infinite number of random variables in WCE. The WHE is more efficient especially in case of nonlinear problems.

Research limitations/implications

Applicable for SDEs with square integrable processes and coefficients satisfying Lipschitz conditions.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a comparison required by the researchers in the stochastic analysis area. It also introduces a simple efficient technique to model the flow turbulence in the physical domain.
Saudi Arabian university students’ perceptions of health risk behaviours
Authors: Alshehri Saad Zafir , Byrne Jenny , Grace Marcus
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how and why Saudi Arabian students engage in specific health risk behaviours (HRBs), and if there are gender differences.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to find out the situation regarding university students in Saudi Arabia, quantitative data were collected by administering questionnaires to 722 respondents, and qualitative data were collected using a series of interviews with 17 students.

Findings

The findings of this mixed methods sequential explanatory study suggest that lifestyle and personal factors, as well as economic, social, policy and other aspects of the environment played a significant role in influencing students’ HRBs. Recommendations for mitigating HRBs among these students and other youth in the Saudi Arabian context are provided.

Originality/value

This paper addresses an important gap in the research on HRBs among university students from the perspectives of students.
Long-term effects of additional insulation of building façades in Sweden
Authors: Tunefalk Martin , Legner Mattias , Leijonhufvud Gustaf
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate long-term effects of previous policies for energy efficiency on energy performance and heritage values. A further ambition is to better understand the relationship between energy and preservation by exploring a quantitative method of combining energy performance data with official heritage designation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a quantitative analysis of energy performance, completed additional insulations, and official heritage classification for individual buildings. Data have been collected and analysed for a sample consisting of 289 multi-family buildings heated with district heating and constructed 1940–1949 in an urban area in Stockholm, Sweden.

Findings

The data exhibit a significant correlation between the studied features. The study further shows that additional insulation has been installed in roughly half of the buildings. The large majority of them were carried out in the national programme for home improvement called ROT.

Research limitations/implications

The findings indicate that previous policies for energy efficiency had an important effect on energy performance and heritage values in the studied area. They continue to affect urban planning and building permit administration today. Research of the physics of individual buildings would be needed in order to determine the reason for differences in the sample.

Originality/value

By presenting a novel method, the study provides a useful tool for policy makers to bridge the gap between issues of energy and preservation and adopt a more holistic approach towards a sustainable built environment.
The relationship between network capabilities and innovation performance
Authors: Fang Gang , Zhou Qing , Wu Jian , Qi Xiaoguang
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Innovation networks provide an efficient mechanism for organizations to realize their potential for knowledge learning and innovation improvement. Firms situated within innovation networks require specific abilities to acquire the knowledge and the complementary assets that facilitate their innovation performance. Motivated by recent research studies in the area of social network and RBV, the purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of the precise manner in which network capability affects a firm’s innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the data obtained from Chinese high-tech firms, the hypotheses are tested by using hierarchical multiple regressions.

Findings

This study identifies two types of network capabilities: network structural capability and network relational capability. The findings suggest that network structural capability has a greater positive impact on innovation performance than network relational capability does within an exploration-orientated network. However, network relational capability is more positively associated with innovation performance within an exploitation-orientated network.

Practical implications

A firm can enhance the value of its ego network by shaping and adjusting network configurations, rather than by passively reaping the benefits from existing relationships or ties with partners.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to strategic management theory and social network theory by illustrating how a networked firm can enable network value and appropriate this value according to its strategic purposes and by suggesting that a firm can improve its ego network’s value through exerting its network capabilities to shape and adjust network configurations. This paper also advances the contingent approach within social network research by offering a new complementary perspective and new evidence from a Chinese context.
The practice of selecting for values in nursing
Authors: Klingenberg Michael Klaus Ronny , Pelletier Caroline
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Research on the processes by which universities select candidates for nursing courses has tended to focus on the development and application of standardised methods. This methodological emphasis has extended to research on “values-based” selection in nursing, which is intended to sustain discrimination between applicants on the basis of their “personal values”. The purpose of this paper is to expand the range of methodological resources available for research on values-based selection, by examining how this is done in practice – by contrast to how it should be done. We analyse interactions between selectors, applicants and various materials deployed during the interview processes to show how values are made manifest, empirically. We conclude by discussing the implications of treating values as interactional achievements, rather than essentialised – i.e. purely “personal” – attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

We draw on methodological principles associated with actor network theory (ANT), which aims to describe how facts are produced through interactions between various actors. Data are presented from an ethnographic study of selection events at three UK universities. Our methods consisted of observation of selection events and interviews with academic staff, administrators and service users and carers, all of whom were involved in selecting candidates.

Findings

When selection is treated methodologically as a social practice and analysed empirically as an ongoing series of interactions, “personal values” can be seen as the effects of a negotiation during which connections are formed between different actors – i.e. elements involved in the selection process. Difference and same-ness in values become visible as the effects of “translation”, in the sense defined in the ANT literature, rather than as fixed attributes which precede selection.

Originality/value

This study makes an original contribution to research on values-based selection by analysing how this is done in practice.
The order is rapidly fadin’
Authors: Strack Mick
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper reviews the relationship between property and the changing coastal environment. It looks at issues around the mismatch between the protection of private property rights implicit in our property law, which assumes stability and permanence, and the protection of public rights and environmental values expected of coastal land, which is increasingly vulnerable to climate change hazard. Issues of retreat from the coast, perhaps with compensation and incentives, will need to be dealt with.

Design/methodology/approach

New Zealand situations and examples are used to illustrate the conflicts between secure property rights and changing coastal land.

Findings

The effects of climate change on coastal land will be significant. This era of environmental degradation and climate change will require a significant re-ordering of property law. Changes in coastal land will require property owners to adapt their use and occupation of the coastal zone, if necessary by retreating. Similarly, local authorities will need to be proactive in planning for coastal land changes.

Social implications

Property will need to be re-imagined to support public and environmental goals for the coast.

Originality/value

This paper extends other discussions about how property law and the protection of property rights is a barrier to implementing climate change responses.
How can entrepreneurs achieve success in chaos?
Authors: Xia Lihui , Luo Biao , Sun Ying
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the mediating role of organizational entrepreneurial capability in the link between entrepreneurs’ effectuation and new venture performance, and whether entrepreneurs’ passion positively moderates this relationship in the Chinese emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected survey data from 140 Chinese new ventures. Following an empirical design, hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrapping analysis were applied to examine six hypotheses.

Findings

Results reveal that organizational entrepreneurial capability plays a positively mediating role in the association between entrepreneurs’ effectuation and new venture performance. Moreover, the whole mediation model is positively moderated by entrepreneurs’ passion, not only the association but also between entrepreneurs’ effectuation and organizational entrepreneurial capability.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the static relationships between key variables using the data obtained at one point in an emerging economy, which cannot investigate the dynamic evolution between variables. More longitudinal designs or cases to track the dynamic association should be considered.

Practical implications

The findings provide useful suggestions for entrepreneurs to enhance their effectual logic and entrepreneurs’ passion to better perceive and exploit opportunities and further improve new venture performance. The results also provide guidance for other groups, such as angel investors and policymakers, regarding how to use effectuation logic as an evaluation criterion to judge whether a new venture or program has investment potential.

Originality/value

These findings enrich the effectuation theory by providing the empirical evidence of the effect of entrepreneurs’ effectuation on new venture performance in an emerging economy. They also provide deeper insights into opportunity research by uncovering the mediating role of organizational entrepreneurial capability in the relationship between entrepreneurs’ effectuation and new venture performance.
The integration role of governmental information disclosure platform
Authors: Peng Jing , Tu Guoping , Liu Yanhong , Zhang Hao , Leng Bibing
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a feasible scheme for local governments to regulate corporate environmental data fraud and to discuss whether the influence of the construction of online information disclosure platform on the environmental behavior of enterprises is better than the offline spot check.

Design/methodology/approach

Under the background of changing environmental fees into taxes in China, this paper conducts evolutionary game analysis between local governments and enterprises in view of the existing problem of environmental data fraud. Furthermore, through the introduction of government information disclosure platform, this paper discusses the impact of the integration of direct government regulation and indirect public concern regulation on the evolution of environmental behavior of both sides. Finally, the evolutionary game is simulated by adopting system dynamics to analyses the implementation effect of different cases on the game process and game equilibrium.

Findings

The results showed that the introduction of information disclosure platform mechanism can effectively suppress the fluctuations existing in the game play and stabilize the game. Moreover, it is worth noting that the regulatory effect of local governments investing part of the monitoring cost in the construction of online information platform is proved to be better than that of putting all the monitoring cost into offline investigation. While optimizing the monitoring cost allocation, the local government still needs to attach great importance to organically combine the attention of the public and media with the governmental official platform.

Practical implications

The obtained results confirm that the proposed model can assist local government in refining the effects of their environmental regulatory decisions, especially in the case of corporate data fraud under environmental tax enforcement.

Originality/value

Previous literature only suggested that local governments should reduce the cost of supervision to change the corporate behavior to a better direction, but no further in-depth study. Thus, this study fills the gap by discussing the positive transformation effect of local government cost allocation scheme on corporate environmental behavior.
Dual roles of users in online brand community and knowledge sharing behavior
Authors: Han Zhengtao , Zhang Wuyi , Hu Bin
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to study knowledge sharing behavior in online brand community (OBC), considering the instantaneous change of consumers’ self-efficacy, knowledge and non-linear characteristic of sharing behavior. It also explores the influence of two external forces, namely, community growth and product innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

An objected model reflecting knowledge dynamics is developed to observe knowledge sharing performance in OBC, and then an agent-based simulation is used to run computational experiments on knowledge sharing difficulty, experience, product innovation and community growth to observe consumers’ knowledge sharing performance.

Findings

It is observed that the difficulty of successful knowledge sharing is indeed related to knowledge sharing performance. In addition, direct experience can enhance consumers’ self-efficacy that further urges consumer to share knowledge. Although product innovation causes a sudden decrease in knowledge sharing performance, it also arouses consumers’ desire for new knowledge which benefits consumers’ knowledge sharing. However, the disruption caused by product innovation eventually outweighs its benefit. Finally, a growing community is found to be bad for sharing knowledge. The slower the OBC grows, the better the knowledge sharing performs.

Originality/value

This study highlights the dynamic changes of knowledge sharing in OBC; particularly, the simulation model in this paper accounts for the direct and dynamic effects of several important factors on knowledge sharing performance amid interruption. The research results can provide decision support for firm managers.
Graduate researchers’ perceptions and expectations
Authors: Ameen Kanwal
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to explore the perceptions and expectations of graduate research students regarding reference and information services. The purpose was also to determine the information seeking and library usage patterns of the respondents.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative research design was used to conduct this study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 18 research scholars enrolled at the University of the Punjab in three main domains of knowledge: sciences, social sciences and humanities. The interviews were verbatim transcribed and analyzed using a thematic approach.

Findings

The findings revealed that the graduate research students had hardly any idea of reference and information services. Their perceptions of the services were vague. Due to this lack of understanding, they would not expect an important role of the library professionals in their research activities except providing access to physical or online information sources. The study recommends redesigning of reference and information services, as well as their promotion among communities.

Research limitations/implications

Being qualitative in approach, the findings are based on the perceptions and expectations of a limited number of researchers. However, libraries and institutions may use the findings for assessment of their services.

Practical implications

Public and university libraries in the developing countries like Pakistan can use the insight for developing user-focused reference and information services and create aggressive awareness strategies about the services offered. The research-related information services can enhance the quality of research output.

Social implications

The public image of information professionals can be enhanced by meeting the expectations of modern information seekers.

Originality/value

The paper is the first one in the context of a developing country on the subject of reference and information services. The users' perspectives have hardly been addressed in a qualitative manner. The findings reveal interesting aspects of reference and information services.
Listening and learning: myths and misperceptions about postgraduate students and library support
Authors: Smith Shiobhan Alice , Lubcke Antje , Alexander Dean , Thompson Kate , Ballard Christy , Glasgow Fiona
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The University of Otago Library conducted a review of its postgraduate support program in 2018. The purpose of this paper is to report on the findings of a questionnaire and follow up focus group undertaken as part of the review. It highlights postgraduate student preferences for learning about support services, their ideas on marketing these services effectively and the kind of engagement that works best for them.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was developed and deployed in July 2018. It contained 20 questions and was emailed to 2,430 enrolled Otago doctorate and master’s students by the University of Otago (GRS). A total of 564 responded, 391 completing all questions. A follow-up focus group was held in August 2018. Quantitative data were collected and analyzed using Qualtrics software and qualitative data were coded and analyzed using NVivo software.

Findings

Respondents highlighted the difficulty they have learning what support services are available to them. In some cases, they also feel a stigma when seeking help because of their status as postgraduate students. They suggest practical ways libraries can better reach out to them. The findings confirm previous literature about the need for libraries to improve marketing of their services to postgraduate students, communicate via supervisors and departments where possible and provide a variety of engagement options.

Originality/value

Before (re)developing postgraduate programs, libraries can gain valuable insights and test assumptions by surveying students.
Reiterative reflection in the library instruction classroom
Authors: Whitver Sara Maurice , Riesen Karleigh Knorr
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to explore the application of reflective pedagogy within a course-embedded library instruction session (as opposed to a semester-long credit bearing course) as a means to foster transfer learning of research practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual essay adapts theories of reflection for transfer learning as found in composition and rhetoric literature to the traditional course-embedded library instruction classroom.

Findings

The application of reflection as a structured learning construct may have the potential to transform the library instruction classroom into an environment where transfer learning is more likely to take place.

Research limitations/implications

Most models for transfer learning are based on semester-long courses and do not take into account the abbreviated context of the traditional library instruction event. This presents a challenge to any adaptation of theory, as library instruction is often an event isolated to one or a few sessions.

Practical implications

This study provides a structure for reflective pedagogy for librarians who desire to engage students in practices that offer the potential of fostering transfer learning.

Originality/value

Librarians are practicing reflective pedagogies in semester-long information literacy courses, but few have used reflection in traditional instruction sessions beyond the documentation of student learning for assessment purposes. This essay provides a theory that extends reflective pedagogies into the traditional library instruction classroom with the hope of fostering transfer learning.
Sustainability-as-flourishing: teaching for a sustainable future
Authors: McGhee Peter , Grant Patricia
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In a recent article, Schaeferet al.(2015) argue that cultivating appropriate beliefs and values, cultivating systems thinking and encouraging responsibility are the stages to be followed to achieve sustainability-as-flourishing from an organizational perspective. This analysis forms the basis for the development and discussion of a conceptual model to educate undergraduate business students at a New Zealand University into responsible leaders who strive to enact sustainability-as-flourishing in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper critiques current approaches to sustainability which often reflect a narrow understanding of human needs and do not demand necessary transformation in the way we interact with the world around us. It then provides an overview of sustainability-as-flourishing, and its various stages, with relevant examples from business. This is followed by a discussion of the conceptual model, the pedagogical philosophies underpinning it and the teaching methods required for shifting business students’ mindsets towards this end.

Findings

This is a conceptual paper that offers a new teaching model for sustainability-as-flourishing. The paper concludes with suggestions for sustainability educators in business.

Originality/value

To date, sustainability-as-flourishing is underdeveloped in the business literature. This conceptual paper unpacks this notion further. Additionally, it provides a model for business educators to teach sustainability-as-flourishing. While some of these ideas and features have been described in the literature previously, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time they have been brought as a coherent whole under this broader and unique approach of sustainability-as-flourishing.
The impact of auditors’ awareness of the profession’s reputation for independence on auditors’ ethical judgement
Authors: Nasution Damai , Östermark Ralf
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test the scale of auditors’ awareness of the profession’s reputation for independence, defined as the degree to which auditors recognise the importance of the reputation for independence and acknowledge the impact of their judgements and decisions on that reputation, and to provide preliminary evidence of an association between auditors’ awareness of the profession’s reputation and auditors’ ethical judgement.

Design/methodology/approach

A seven-item scale was developed to measure auditors’ awareness of the profession’s reputation for independence, and an auditing case was used to measure auditors’ ethical judgement. A survey questionnaire of practising auditors working in auditing firms in Indonesia provides data for testing the validity and reliability of the new scale and proposed hypothesis.

Findings

The findings show that the scale is unidimensional and has satisfied reliability and validity. Moreover, the preliminary evidence of a positive association between the new scale and auditors’ ethical judgement is provided.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies should test the validity and reliability of the scale of awareness of the profession’s reputation for independence with larger data and in different settings. Investigation of the antecedent factors of auditors’ awareness of the profession’s reputation for independence is suggested.

Originality/value

This paper develops a new measure, namely, the awareness of the profession’s reputation for independence. Preliminary evidence to establish an association between that awareness and auditor ethical judgement is provided.
Applying data mining methodology to establish an intelligent decision system for PCBA process
Authors: Huang Chien-Yi , Ruano Marvin , Chen Ching-Hsiang , Greene Christopher
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to consider the practical production environment of electronics manufacturing industry firms, and the large quantities of information collected on machine processes, testing data and production reports, while simultaneously taking into account the properties of the processing environment, in conducting analysis to obtain valuable information.

Design/methodology/approach

This research constructs a prediction model of the circuit board assembly process yield. A decision tree is used to extract the key attributes. The authors also integrate association rules to determine the relevance of key attributes of undesirable phenomena.

Findings

The results assure the successful application of the methodology by reconfirming the rules for solder skip and short circuit occurrence and their causes.

Originality/value

Measures for improvement are recommended, production parameters determined and debugging suggestions made to improve the process yield when the new process is implemented.
Religion, social studies and citizenship: reframing religion through the lens of citizenship
Authors: Hollstein Matthew S. , Hawley Todd S.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an alternative approach to studying religion in social studies classrooms through reframing. The authors encourage this reframing through the lens of citizenship and terror as a human experience.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a practitioner’s piece and did not include research methodology or design.

Findings

This is a practitioner’s piece and did not include any findings.

Practical implications

This paper presents practical approaches to examining religion in social studies classrooms through a comparison with citizenship and the lens of terror. The authors offer activities which current classroom teachers will be able to put into action immediately. In addition, the authors offer a detailed background for further study if teachers wish to learn more.

Social implications

This paper presents ways to study religion in the social studies and in the current fractured social environment the authors feel is needed. The authors wish to showcase how to examine a controversial issue in a reflective, respectful and honest fashion.

Originality/value

The authors present the idea of studying religion through the lens of terror while showcasing how it mirrors the requirements of citizenship. The authors believe that studying religion in this way in the social studies will help to demystify the topic and allow students to unpack religion as a topic in social studies.
Image‐domain wavefield tomography for tilted transversely isotropic media
Authors: Li Vladimir , Tsvankin Ilya , Guitton Antoine , Wang Hui
Published: August 2019

Transversely isotropic models with a tilted symmetry axis have become standard for imaging beneath dipping shale formations and in active tectonic areas. Here, we develop a methodology of wave‐equation‐based image‐domain tomography for acoustic tilted transversely isotropic media. We obtain the gradients of the objective function using an integral wave‐equation operator based on a separable dispersion relation that takes the symmetry‐axis tilt into account. In contrast to the more conventional differential solutions, the integral operator produces only the P‐wavefield without shear‐wave artefacts, which facilitates both imaging and velocity analysis. The model is parameterized by the P‐wave zero‐dip normal‐moveout velocity, the Thomsen parameter δ, anellipticity coefficient η and the symmetry‐axis tilt θ. Assuming that the symmetry axis is orthogonal to reflectors, we study the influence of parameter errors on energy focusing in extended (space‐lag) common‐image gathers. Distortions in the anellipticity coefficient η introduce weak linear defocusing regardless of reflector dip, whereas δ influences both the energy focusing and depth scale of the migrated section. These results, which are consistent with the properties of the P‐wave time‐domain reflection moveout in tilted transversely isotropic media, provide important insights for implementation of velocity model‐building in the image‐domain. Then the algorithm is tested on a modified anticline section of the BP 2007 benchmark model.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 alpha and nuclear‐related receptor 1 as targets for neuroprotection by albendazole in a rat rotenone model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kandil Esraa A. , Sayed Rabab H. , Ahmed Lamiaa A. , Abd El Fattah Mai A. , El‐Sayeh Bahia M.
Published: August 2019

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α) and nuclear receptor related‐1 (Nurr1) play pivotal roles in the development and survival of dopaminergic neurons, and deficiencies in these genes may be involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. Recently, anthelminthic benzimidazoles were shown to promote HIF‐1α transcription in vitro and were proposed to activate Nurr1 via their benzimidazole group. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the neuroprotective effects of albendazole (ABZ), an anthelminthic benzimidazole, in a rotenone model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Rotenone (1.5 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected into rats every other day for a period of 21 days, resulting in the development of the essential features of PD. In addition to rotenone, ABZ (10 mg/kg) was administered orally starting from the 11th day. Treatment of rats with ABZ markedly mitigated rotenone‐induced histological alterations in substantia nigra (SN), restored striatal dopamine (DA) level and motor functions and decreased the expression of α‐synuclein (a disease marker protein). ABZ also enhanced expression of Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α) in the SN along with its downstream target, vascular endothelial growth factor, promoting neuronal survival. Similarly, ABZ augmented nuclear receptor related‐1 (Nurr1) expression in the SN and increased transcriptional activation of Nurr1‐controlled genes, which are essential for regulation of DA synthesis; additionally, expression of neurotoxic proinflammatory cytokines that induce neuronal death was suppressed. In conclusion, the present study suggests that ABZ exerts a neuroprotective effect in a rotenone‐induced PD model associated with HIF‐1α and Nurr1 activation and thus may be a viable candidate for treating PD.
Abundance of weeds and seeds but not of arthropods differs between arable habitats in an extensive Mediterranean farming system
Authors: Tarjuelo Rocío , Morales Manuel B. , Arribas Leticia , Traba Juan
Published: August 2019

Agricultural intensification has profoundly affected European farmlands in the last decades, and their associated biodiversity has undergone a widespread decline. Although largely considered by farmers to be a threat to crop productivity, weeds and arthropods are key factors in farmland ecosystems and provide multiple ecosystem services. We analyze variations between three arable habitats—cereals, plowed and fallow fields—in the biomass of weeds, seeds and arthropods in an extensive rotation system of Central Spain. We also investigate the effect of the vegetation structure in the overall biomass of arthropods and that of the most abundant orders found, Coleoptera and Orthoptera, which constitute key resources for many declining farmland birds. Our results show that fallows had the greatest biomass of weeds and seeds, whereas no differences were found between cereal and plowed fields. Although vegetation structure was related to the biomass of total arthropods, as well as that of coleopterans and orthopterans of a large size, arthropod biomass did not vary between the three arable habitats. Overall, higher weed cover and denser vegetation favored higher biomass of arthropods. Our results suggest a process of ecological homogenization, where arthropod populations may be suffering a widespread decline across habitat types, likely due to high tillage frequency or agrochemical use, despite the extensive rotation system and the mosaic landscape of our study site. Short‐ and mid‐term fallows might function as a source habitat for weeds and arthropods, although this role might be compromised by their progressive disappearance and isolation within the landscape.
Investment Motivations and UK Business Angels’ Appetite for Risk Taking: The Moderating Role of Experience
Authors: Croce Annalisa , Ughetto Elisa , Cowling Marc
Published: August 2019

In this paper we use a large UK survey of business angels (BAs) investing in two different publicly supported schemes to directly question the role that investment motivations play in shaping investors’ appetite for risk. We dive deeper into the relationship between investment reasons and risk taking, by exploring the potential for a moderating effect derived from BAs’ past experience (i.e. financial and entrepreneurial experience). Our analysis reveals that both investment reasons (for return and for passion) have substantial explanatory power in shaping angels’ risk attitude, but their effect is moderated by the investors’ prior experience. This key finding represents important empirical support for what has so far been anecdotal evidence concerning BAs’ appetite for risk when investing.