bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLIQ-BID: A method to quantify bacteria-induced damage to eukaryotic cells by automated live-imaging of bright nuclei
Authors: Wallez Yann , Bouillot Stéphanie , Soleilhac Emmanuelle , Huber Philippe , Attrée Ina , Faudry Eric
Published: December 2017

Pathogenic bacteria induce eukaryotic cell damage which range from discrete modifications of signalling pathways, to morphological alterations and even to cell death. Accurate quantitative detection of these events is necessary for studying host-pathogen interactions and for developing strategies to protect host organisms from bacterial infections. Investigation of morphological changes is cumbersome and not adapted to high-throughput and kinetics measurements. Here, we describe a simple and cost-effective method based on automated analysis of live cells with stained nuclei, which allows real-time quantification of bacteria-induced eukaryotic cell damage at single-cell resolution. We demonstrate that this automated high-throughput microscopy approach permits screening of libraries composed of interference-RNA, bacterial strains, antibodies and chemical compounds in ex vivo infection settings. The use of fluorescently-labelled bacteria enables the concomitant detection of changes in bacterial growth. Using this method named CLIQ-BID (Cell Live Imaging Quantification of Bacteria Induced Damage), we were able to distinguish the virulence profiles of different pathogenic bacterial species and clinical strains.
Distinct co-expression networks using multi-omic data reveal novel interventional targets in HPV-positive and negative head-and-neck squamous cell cancer
Authors: L. Costa Raquel , Boroni Mariana , Soares Marcelo A.
Published: December 2017

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is present in a significant fraction of head-and-neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). However, a comprehensive understanding of disease progression profiles comparing HPV+ and HPV- HNSCC cases is still lacking. The main goal of this study was to identify distinct co-expression patterns between HPV+ and HPV- HNSCC and to provide insights into potential regulatory mechanisms/effects (such as methylation and mutation) within the analyzed networks. For conducting this, we selected 276 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas database comprising data of gene expression, methylation profiles and mutational patterns, in addition to clinical information (HPV status and tumor staging). We further added external information such as the identification of transcription factors to the networks. Genes were selected as differentially expressed and differentially methylated based on HPV status, of which 12 genes were doubly selected, including SYCP2, GJB6, FLRT3, PITX2 and CCNA1. Weight correlation network analysis was used to identify co-expression modules and a systematic approach was applied to refine them and identify key regulatory elements integrating results from the other omics. Three main modules were associated with distinct co-expression patterns in HPV+ versus HPV- HNSCC. The molecular signatures found were mainly related to cell fate specification, keratinocyte differentiation, focal adhesion and regulation of protein oligomerization. This study provides comprehensive insights into complex genetic and epigenetic particularities in the development and progression of HNSCC in patients according to HPV status, identifying unseen gene interactions, and may contribute to unveiling specific genes/pathways as novel therapeutic targets for HNSCC.
Antenatal microbial colonisation of mammalian gut
Authors: Borghi Elisa , Massa Valentina , Severgnini Marco , Fazio Grazia , Avagliano Laura , Menegola Elena , Bulfamante Gaetano , Morace Giulia , Borgo Francesca
Published: December 2017

The widely accepted dogma of intrauterine sterility and initial colonisation of the newborn during birth has been blurred by recent observations of microbial presence in meconium, placenta and amniotic fluid. Given the importance of a maternal-derived in utero infant seeding, it is crucial to exclude potential environmental or procedural contaminations, and to assess foetal colonisation before parturition. To ascertain antenatal microbial colonisation in mammals, we analysed sterilely collected intestinal tissues from rodent foetuses in parallel with experimental controls, and tissues from autoptic human foetuses. Next generation sequencing (NGS) showed the presence of pioneer microbes in both rat and human intestines, as well as in rodent placentas and amniotic fluids. Live microbes were isolated from culture-dependent analyses from homogenized rat foetal intestines.

Microbial communities showed foetus- and dam-dependent clustering, confirming the high interindividual variability of microbiota even in the antenatal period. Fluorescent in situ hybridisation analysis confirmed the microbes’ existence in the lumen of the developing gut.

These findings have vast implications for an emerging field of enhancing the management of healthy pregnancies, and for understanding how the infant microbiome starts and it is thus shaped.
Importance of homo-dimerization of Fanconi-associated nuclease 1 in DNA flap cleavage
Authors: Rao Timsi , Longerich Simonne , Zhao Weixing , Aihara Hideki , Sung Patrick , Xiong Yong
Published: December 2017

Fanconi-associated nuclease 1 (FAN1) removes interstrand DNA crosslinks (ICLs) through its DNA flap endonuclease and exonuclease activities. Crystal structures of human and bacterial FAN1 bound to a DNA flap have been solved. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial FAN1 and human FAN1 (hFAN1) missing a flexible loop are monomeric, while intact hFAN1 is homo-dimeric in structure. Importantly, the monomeric and dimeric forms of FAN1 exhibit very different DNA binding modes. Here, we interrogate the functional differences between monomeric and dimeric forms of FAN1 and provide an explanation for the discrepancy in oligomeric state between the two hFAN1 structures. Specifically, we show that the flexible loop in question is needed for hFAN1 dimerization. While monomeric and dimeric bacterial or human FAN1 proteins cleave a short 5’ flap strand with similar efficiency, optimal cleavage of a long 5’ flap strand is contingent upon protein dimerization. Our study therefore furnishes biochemical evidence for a role of hFAN1 homodimerization in biological processes that involve 5’ DNA Flap cleavage.
Adult-specific trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 is prone to dynamic changes with aging in C. elegans somatic cells
Authors: Pu Mintie , Wang Minghui , Wang Wenke , Velayudhan Satheeja Santhi , Lee Siu Sylvia
Published: December 2017

Tri-methylation on histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) is associated with active gene expression but its regulatory role in transcriptional activation is unclear. Here we used Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate the connection between H3K4me3 and gene expression regulation during aging. We uncovered around 30% of H3K4me3 enriched regions to show significant and reproducible changes with age. We further showed that these age-dynamic H3K4me3 regions largely mark gene-bodies and are acquired during adult stages. We found that these adult-specific age-dynamic H3K4me3 regions are correlated with gene expression changes with age. In contrast, H3K4me3 marking established during developmental stages remained largely stable with age, even when the H3K4me3 associated genes exhibited RNA expression changes during aging. Moreover, we found that global reduction of H3K4me3 levels results in significantly decreased RNA expression of genes that acquire H3K4me3 marking in their gene-bodies during adult stage, suggesting that altered H3K4me3 levels with age could result in age-dependent gene expression changes. Interestingly, the genes with dynamic changes in H3K4me3 and RNA levels with age are enriched for those involved in fatty acid metabolism, oxidation-reduction, and stress response. Therefore, our findings revealed divergent roles of H3K4me3 in gene expression regulation during aging, with important implications on physiological relevance.
Riding the Cell Jamming Boundary: Geometry, Topology, and Phase of Human Corneal Endothelium
Authors: Brookes Nigel H.
Published: December 2017

It is important to assess the viability of eye-banked corneas prior to transplantation due to inherent senescence and known loss of endothelial cells during surgical manipulation. Corneal endothelial cells have a complex basal and paracellular shape making them challenging to accurately measure, particularly in oedematousex vivotissue. This study used calibrated centroidal Voronoi Diagrams to segment cells in images of these human corneas, in order to characterize endothelial geometry, topology, and phase.

Hexagonal cells dominated the endothelia, with most comprised of five different pleomorphs exhibiting self-similar topological coarsening through most of the endothelial cell density range. There was a linear relationship between cell size and shape, though cells with greater than six sides were present in larger proportions than cells with less. Hexagonal cell regularity was stable and largely independent of density.

Cell and tissue phase was also examined, using the cell shape index relative to the recently discovered ‘cell jamming’ phase transition boundary. Images showed fluid endothelia with a range of shape indices spanning the boundary, independent of density but dependent on hexagonal regularity. The cells showed a bimodal distribution centred at the boundary, with the largest proportion of cells on the fluid side. A shoulder at the boundary suggested phase switching via shape transformation across the energy barrier, with cells either side having distinctly different size and shape characteristics. Regular hexagonal cells were closest to the boundary.

This study showed the corneal endothelium acts as a glassy viscous foam characterized by well-established physical laws. Endothelial cell death transiently and locally increases cell fluidity, which is subsequently arrested by jamming of the pleomorphically diverse cell collective, via rearrangement and shape change of a small proportion of cells, which become locked in place by their neighbours and maintain endothelial function with little energy expenditure.
Conserved non-AUG uORFs revealed by a novel regression analysis of ribosome profiling data
Authors: Spealman Pieter , Naik Armaghan W. , May Gemma E. , Kuersten Scott , Freeberg Lindsay , Murphy Robert F. , McManus Joel
Published: December 2017

Upstream open reading frames (uORFs), located in transcript leaders (5′ UTRs), are potent cis-acting regulators of translation and mRNA turnover. Recent genome-wide ribosome profiling studies suggest that thousands of uORFs initiate with non-AUG start codons. Although intriguing, these non-AUG uORF predictions have been made without statistical control or validation; thus, the importance of these elements remains to be demonstrated. To address this, we took a comparative genomics approach to study AUG and non-AUG uORFs. We mapped transcription leaders in multiple Saccharomyces yeast species and applied a novel machine learning algorithm (uORF-seqr) to ribosome profiling data to identify statistically significant uORFs. We found that AUG and non-AUG uORFs are both frequently found in Saccharomyces yeasts. Although most non-AUG uORFs are found in only one species, hundreds have either conserved sequence or position within Saccharomyces. uORFs initiating with UUG are particularly common and are shared between species at rates similar to that of AUG uORFs. However, non-AUG uORFs are translated less efficiently than AUG-uORFs and are less subject to removal via alternative transcription initiation under normal growth conditions. These results suggest that a subset of non-AUG uORFs may play important roles in regulating gene expression.
Characterization of ultrafast free-electron laser pulses using extreme-ultraviolet transient gratings
Authors: Capotondi F. , Foglia L. , Kiskinova M. , Masciovecchio C. , Mincigrucci R. , Naumenko D. , Pedersoli E. , Simoncig A. , Bencivenga F.
Published: December 2017

The characterization of the time structure of ultrafast photon pulses in the extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) and soft X-ray spectral ranges is of high relevance for a number of scientific applications and photon diagnostics. Such measurements can be performed following different strategies and often require large setups and rather high pulse energies. Here, high-quality measurements carried out by exploiting the transient grating process, i.e. a third-order non-linear process sensitive to the time-overlap between two crossed EUV pulses, is reported. From such measurements it is possible to obtain information on both the second-order intensity autocorrelation function and on the coherence length of the pulses. It was found that the pulse energy density needed to carry out such measurements on solid state samples can be as low as a few mJ cm−2. Furthermore, the possibility to control the arrival time of the crossed pulses independently might permit the development of a number of coherent spectroscopies in the EUV and soft X-ray regime, such as, for example, photon echo and two-dimensional spectroscopy.
Focusing X-ray free-electron laser pulses using Kirkpatrick–Baez mirrors at the NCI hutch of the PAL-XFEL
Authors: Kim Jangwoo , Kim Hyo-Yun , Park Jaehyun , Kim Sangsoo , Kim Sunam , Rah Seungyu , Lim Jun , Nam Ki Hyun
Published: December 2017

The Pohang Accelerator Laboratory X-ray Free-Electron Laser (PAL-XFEL) is a recently commissioned X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facility that provides intense ultrashort X-ray pulses based on the self-amplified spontaneous emission process. The nano-crystallography and coherent imaging (NCI) hutch with forward-scattering geometry is located at the hard X-ray beamline of the PAL-XFEL and provides opportunities to perform serial femtosecond crystallography and coherent X-ray diffraction imaging. To produce intense high-density XFEL pulses at the interaction positions between the X-rays and various samples, a microfocusing Kirkpatrick–Baez (KB) mirror system that includes an ultra-precision manipulator has been developed. In this paper, the design of a KB mirror system that focuses the hard XFEL beam onto a fixed sample point of the NCI hutch, which is positioned along the hard XFEL beamline, is described. The focusing system produces a two-dimensional focusing beam at approximately 2 µm scale across the 2–11 keV photon energy range. XFEL pulses of 9.7 keV energy were successfully focused onto an area of size 1.94 µm × 2.08 µm FWHM.
A new method of precise orientation adjustment based on matrix similarity for large-scale component
Authors: Wu Dian , Du Fuzhou
Published: December 2017

Purpose

In the assembly process of the satellite, there will be multiple installation and disassembly operations for the solar wing and the main satellite body (or simulator). However, the traditional method of orientation adjustment by theodolite and two-axis turntable is difficult to coordinate three rotation angles of yaw, pitch and roll, which leads to the complexity of actual operation and dependency on manual experience. Therefore, this paper aims to propose a new method to achieve rapid and precise orientation adjustment.

Design/methodology/approach

The similarity relation of the orientation variation matrix in a different coordinate system is studied, and a mapping model of the similarity relation is established. By using multiple element matrices to construct the original rotation matrix, the mapping is solved in quaternion form. Taking the theodolite as a measuring instrument and the Stewart platform as a control equipment, an experiment on installing the solar wing is performed to validate the effectiveness of the algorithm.

Findings

Based on the solving algorithm, the orientation adjustment process is simplified to a three-step fixed mode, which is three adjustments to get the parameter of the mapping model, one to adjust the component in place and another to further fine tuning. The final orientation deviation is less than 0.003° and close to the level of using a laser tracker, achieving the required accuracy of 0.0115°.

Originality/value

This paper reveals the similarity relation of the variation matrix in the process of orientation adjustment and presents a new method to achieve rapid and precise orientation adjustment for the large-scale component.
Introducing a People’s Academy into Higher Education
Authors: Hardy Sally Elizabeth , Malby Rebecca , Hallett Nina , Farooq Anam , Chamley Carol , Young Gwendoline , White Xavier Hilts , Turner Warren
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The introduction of a People’s Academy (PA) within the School of Health and Social Care (HSC) at London South Bank University has created ripples across the pond that is Higher Education. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Working as a coproduction innovation hub, the PA celebrates inclusion of those with a lived experience of HSC services into the academic community as valued members of the teaching and learning team. In its second year the PA has gained attention and achieved a “highly commended” status from external regulating bodies.

Findings

In this paper the authors report on aspects arising from an entrepreneurial education approach. First, is the work-based learning experience students achieve within the Higher Education Institution (HEI) setting, preparing them for clinical placements and client encounters. Second are ripples of activity the PA work streams have sent throughout the academic staff via critically creative working practices as a process of entrepreneurial education. Conclusions focus on a sustainable approach to recovery and resilience (whether physical or psychological) and overall well-being that PA members recognise as a raised level of compassion for sustainable health and well-being for all.

Social implications

The work and enthusiasm of the PA as an authentic social engagement process rippling across the “University” experience; whether for students in the classroom or when working alongside academic staff, is identifiable in all aspects of academic activities. Most importantly is a positive gain in terms of knowledge, skills and confidence for the PA members themselves and their own well-being enhancement.

Originality/value

The PA approach to entrepreneurial education and work-based learning across the HEI setting is one of the first of its kind. This paper outlines core practices to achieve innovative coproduction approach that others may wish to replicate.
Turkish foreign direct investment and peace in Somalia: a new political stabilization policy
Authors: Nor Mohamed Ibrahim , Masron Tajul Ariffin
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent at which Turkish foreign direct investment (FDI) contributes to the process of peacemaking in host country.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a qualitative method and used a focus group discussion and an in-depth interview.

Findings

This study found that Turkish FDI contributes well to the process of peace building in Somalia.

Practical implications

A well-balanced FDI is expected to contribute to the process of peace building in host country because FDI is associated with job creation, technology transfer, private sector enhancement, infrastructure development and social responsibility. These factors increase household income of the host country and contribute to human capital development. By doing so, resource-centered conflicts are reduced and peace is established.

Originality/value

This study is considered as one of the unique studies that have been conducted in the context of post-conflict economy of Somalia. The study investigated the extent at which Turkish FDI contributes to the process of peace building in the host economy and found some interesting evidences, which makes it an appealing work that should be pursued further. This study is not only investigating a novel area of research but also contributes very much to the ongoing policy debate on the recovery and development of post-conflict economies.
The poverty and inequality nexus in Ghana
Authors: Novignon Jacob , Nonvignon Justice , Mussa Richard
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Understanding the linkages between poverty and inequality is vital to any sustainable development and poverty reduction strategies. In Ghana, while poverty has reduced significantly over the years, inequality has increased. The purpose of this paper is to examine the linkages between inequality in household expenditure components and overall inequality and poverty in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Using microdata from the sixth round of the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS 6) conducted in 2012/2013, marginal effects and elasticities were computed for both within- and between-component analysis.

Findings

The results suggest that, in general, reducing within-component inequality significantly reduces overall poverty and inequality in Ghana, compared with between-component inequality. Specifically, inequality in education and health expenditure components were the largest contributors to overall poverty and inequality. The findings imply that policies directed toward reducing within-component inequality will be more effective. Specifically, the findings of the study corroborate recent policies on education and health in Ghana aimed at inequality within these components. Sustaining and scaling up these policies will be a step in the right direction.

Originality/value

The study contributes to existing studies in several ways: first, this study becomes the first attempt to examine inequality-poverty nexus using household expenditure components in Ghana. Second, the use of expenditure in place of income is an addition to the literature. Income is usually subject to reporting biases and is minimal in expenditure. Finally, the findings highlight the need for poverty reduction strategies to focus on specific household components including education and health. Blanket interventions may not be effective in reducing inequality and poverty.
Narrowing the gap: the middle class and the modernization of welfare in Italy
Authors: Siza Remo
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a contribution to our understanding of the changing relations of the middle classes with the Italian welfare state. The paper argues that the new interplay between public and private welfare is based on a very simplified analysis of Italian society.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper aims to integrate a variety of different theoretical approaches. The paper makes extensive use of the EU-SILC database, as well as the recently updated historic series of consumer studies undertaken by the Italian National Institute of Statistics. The data used in the paper were also drawn from the biennial cross-sectional Survey on Household Income and Wealth carried out by the Bank of Italy.

Findings

The analysis suggests that the problems of Italian society include not only a high incidence of poverty, but also increasing financial constraints for households placed between the established middle class and people in conditions of persistent poverty. The current public-private mix in service delivery appears less and less capable of protecting this social stratum against the growing risk of instability across all life domains, let alone of creating opportunities and fostering social mobility.

Originality/value

The paper explores some ways in which current politics of welfare have been designed with the view of fundamentally changing the welfare regime. It highlights how the public and private welfare mix has been purposefully organized in order to introduce a new model of social protection that aims to overcome certain specific characteristics of Southern European welfare states. It examines the sustainability of this model compared to the real living conditions of the Italian middle classes.
Labour turnover and considerations around work: temporary farm workers in South Africa
Authors: Wiltshire Anne Hilda
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to delineates workers’ labour turnover and considerations around work, in a context of informalisation of work, through a case study of temporary non-resident farm workers in the deciduous fruit sector in Ceres, South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is a three-phase exploratory sequential mixed-methods strategy. Findings from 29 in-depth interviews were refined, verified and ranked in four focus groups. These informed grounded indicators in a survey of 200 farm workers employed in peak season and their 887 household members.

Findings

Considerations are informed by work-related insecurities, interpersonal workplace relationships and reproductive insecurity in the form of care of others, social linkages and residential insecurity, seemingly hierarchical. The least important considerations most thwart workers’ ability to complete fixed-term contracts and account for over 70 per cent of labour turnover in the form of resignations. In sum, workers experience constrained considerations around work arising from their material, social and economic conditions.

Originality/value

This is the first study on the labour turnover of farm workers in South Africa and the fifth globally. The research gives precedence to the voice of farm workers and is a thick description of workers’ considerations around work.
The effects of board attributes on Sukuk rating
Authors: Elhaj Mohamed Abulgasem , Muhamed Nurul Aini , Ramli Nathasa Mazna
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of board attributes on Sukuk rating in firms listed in Bursa Malaysia (Malaysian Stock Exchange) during the period of 2008 to 2013.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses ordinal logit regression model to examine the influence of board attributes (CEO-chairman duality, board size and board independence) on the dependent variable (RATING).

Findings

The findings of this paper generally support the agency theory and stakeholder theory. Results show that after controlling for firm characteristics, the Sukuk rating is positively associated with CEO-chairman duality, board size and board independence; and negatively correlated with leverage while positively related to profitability and size. The findings of this study also provide evidence that having two positions in an organization as CEO and chairman could have added higher responsibility towards making corporate decisions and provide better Sukuk rating performance. In addition, findings show that the larger the board size, the better Sukuk rating. Also, higher board independence enjoys higher rating.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to the investigation of the relationship between board attributes (CEO duality, board size and board independence) on Sukuk ratings using aggregate data from 2008 to 2013 among Malaysian Sukuk issuers.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper describe the impact of board attributes on Sukuk rating in Malaysian Sukuk market which in turn gives the useful insights to many of the actors in the markets such as issuers, investors and policymakers which can be relied upon in making strategic decisions to issue and invest in Islamic bonds in Malaysian market. In addition, the findings could prove to be useful also for regulators because they are responsible for the acceptable level of corporate governance standards.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge by focusing heavily on enhancing Sukuk ratings by reducing conflict between managers and Sukuk holders in Malaysia. Additionally, this study benefits from the agency theory and stakeholder theory to provide evidence on the effect of board attributes on Sukuk rating.
Empirical investigation of SMEs’ perceptions towards PLS financing in Morocco
Authors: Badaj Fairouz , Radi Bouchra
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The main purpose of the study is to examine the willingness of Moroccan small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt profit and loss sharing (PLS) method of finance and the factors that may influence their decision.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model is based on the decomposed theory of planned behaviour (DTPB). A total of 340 questionnaires were randomly distributed to SMEs’ owner-managers, out of which 177 were collected and only 153 were valid for analysis. Factor analysis and partial least squares regression were subsequently applied.

Findings

The results showed that cost, loss of control, constrained access to conventional debt, financial suitability, stage of development as well as religious beliefs have a significant impact on the SMEs’ attitude towards PLS modes. Likewise, normative belief was also found to have a significant influence on subjective norm, by particular reference to the family, financial external consultants and internal managers, as the main referent groups. In addition, finally, attitude and perceived behavioural control were found to have a significant impact on the intention to adopt PLS financing by Moroccan SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is not representative; hence, the findings cannot be generalized to all Moroccan SMEs. Furthermore, the variables and dimensions used are not exhaustive. With regard to implications, the study confirms the applicability of the DTPB to SME financing questions. Moreover, this study provides great indications to the practitioners, investors, policy makers and regulators on the perception of the Moroccan entrepreneurs, which should be taken into consideration to establish the necessary strategies to attract them.

Originality/value

This paper verifies the applicability of the DTPB in another area, that is, adoption of PLS instruments and contributes to explain the entrepreneurs’ perceptions towards theses modes of financing.
Political geography of Turkey’s intervention in Syria: underlying causes and consequences (2011-2016)
Authors: Gürcan Efe Can
Published: December 2017

Purpose

What are the causes and consequences of Turkey’s intervention in Syria? The purpose of this paper is to explore this question by focusing on the time frame from 2011 to 2016, i.e. prior to Turkey’s strategic U-turn from uncompromising enmity toward Russia and Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

Process tracing is used as the main methodological guideline.

Findings

Turkey’s intervention in Syria has been driven by a mutually reinforcing interaction of geopolitical, geo-economic and geo-cultural factors. Turkey’s neo-Ottomanist geo-strategy has been militarized in the context of the Arab Spring, perceived decline of US hegemony, increasing Kurdish autonomy andAdalet ve Kalkınma Partisi’s(AKP) electoral setbacks. Second, Turkey’s intervention has been triggered by the converging motivations for energy security, easily gained profits from the black energy market and economic integration with Arab-Gulf countries in the face of a stagnating Western capitalism. A third set of factors speaks to the AKP’s instrumental use of Sunni sectarianism and Kurdish ethnopolitics.

Originality/value

The research aim is to provide a systematic and multi-causal explanation of Turkey’s involvement in Syria.
Intellectual capital and corporate performance: a case of Indian banks
Authors: Tiwari Ranjit , Vidyarthi Harishankar
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and explain the linkage between intellectual capital (IC) efficiency of banks and their performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 39 public and private banks listed in Bombay Stock Exchange from 1999 to 2015 were considered for the study. Panel fixed effects technique is used to draw inferences.

Findings

Results of the study provide evidence of positive association between IC and performance of banks; however, only human capital and structural capital have shown instances of significant positive linkage with banks performance. The results also indicate that the IC efficiency of private sector banks is better than public sector banks in India.

Practical implications

This study may enable Indian banking firms to measure their IC efficiency and develop policies to promote and improve upon their intellectual potential to enhance banks performance.

Originality/value

It is a novel study in Indian context that considers interaction variables in extending the prior understanding of the role of IC in enhancing banks performance, which may build sustainable advantage for banks in emerging economies like India.
A refined analytical model for studying the effect of the relative density on the homogenised elastic constants of a honeycomb cell structure
Authors: Daoudi Nour El-houda , Harkati El-haddi , Boutagouga Djamel , Louafi Messaoud
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of the relative density and geometric parameters on the homogenised in-plane elasticity modulus of a cellular honeycomb structure using analytical and numerical approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the mechanical behaviour of a new design of the honeycomb is analysed through a refined analytical model that is developed based on the energy theorems by considering the shearing and stretching effects in addition to bending.

Findings

By taking into account the various deformation mechanisms (MNT), the obtained results show that the values of elasticity modulus are the same for low relative densities, but the difference becomes remarkable for higher densities. Moreover, it is difficult to judge the effect of the relative density and anisotropy of the cellular structure on the values of the homogenised elasticity modulus without considering all the three deformation mechanisms in the analytical model. It is shown that conventional models overestimate the elasticity modulus, especially for high relative densities.

Originality/value

In this paper, a refined model that takes into account the three deformation mechanisms (MNT) is developed to predict the in-plane elasticity modulus of a honeycomb cellular material. It is shown that analytical models that describe the anisotropic behaviour of honeycomb cells can be improved by considering the three deformation mechanisms, which are bending, stretching, and shearing deformations.
Financial contagion: review of empirical literature
Authors: Seth Neha , Panda Laxmidhar
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain a comprehensive structure of past empirical studies on financial contagion which can provide the present growth and future scope of research work on the field of contagion analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Present study identifies 151 empirical studies on financial contagion and summarises all the studies on the basis of tools and methodology used, year of the studies, origin of the studies, sample period and sample countries taken, studies undertaken on the basis of different crisis period and markets considered and finally sources of the studies.

Findings

The results of the analysis show that the empirical studies on contagion increased continuously over the past five years. Higher order test of contagion with more number of sample countries may provide more accurate picture on financial contagion.

Originality/value

This paper collects, classifies and summarises past empirical studies on financial contagion and provides valuable conclusion on present growth and future scope of studies on financial contagion. The information given in this paper can be helpful for future researchers and academicians on this particular field; the summary of the conclusion (from past reviews) may be helpful for the policy makers for asset allocation and risk management.
Task-technology fit in knowledge creation: the moderating role of cognitive style
Authors: Wu ChienHsing , Kao Shu-Chen , Shih Chia-Hung
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of the creation task–technology fit (CTTF) in the knowledge creation performance (KCP). The creation task features represented by goal-driven, goal-free and goal-frame modes (GDM, GFM and GRM) and information and communication technology (ICT) supportive features are considered. The moderation effect of cognitive style represented by analytical and intuitive styles is explored. Contributions and implications are addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review on creation task, ICT, cognitive behavior and fit theory, and the research gap with respect to the antecedents of KCP are presented. The research arguments are then hypothesized and the research model developed to describe that the proposed role is examined empirically.

Findings

Research findings are obtained on the basis of the data analysis of 258 valid subjects from research institutes as well as manufacturing and service industries. The effect of CTTF on creation outcomes is significantly confirmed. The ICT supportive functions are unlikely significantly related to CTTF for the analysis-styled group, but the intuition-styled group shows a likely significance because of the different means of dealing with information and knowledge processing. The analysis-styled group disagrees with the significant link of the GDM with CTTF, whereas the intuition-styled group presents the significant effects of GDM, GFM and GRM on CTTF.

Originality/value

The unique features of knowledge creation differentiate it from other tasks. With respect to whether the knowledge creation task presented by goal is defined or not, and how ICT better suits the creation task features to benefit the creation outcomes are yet to be discussed. The individual cognitive style is confirmed to alternate the effect of ICT and GDM on CTTF in the proposed model. The research findings are particularly obvious because a transition gap, less covered by the literature, might exist with regard to the perception connection of knowledge creation service providers, agencies, consultants and context creators.
Anti‐contractile effects of perivascular adipose tissue in thoracic aorta from rats fed a high‐fat diet: role of aerobic exercise training
Authors: Araujo Hygor N. , Victório Jamaira A. , Valgas da Silva Carmem P. , Sponton Amanda C. S. , Vettorazzi Jean F. , de Moraes Camila , Davel Ana P. , Zanesco Angelina , Delbin Maria A.
Published: December 2017

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise training on perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) function in thoracic aorta from rats fed a high‐fat diet. Aortic vascular reactivity was performed in sedentary (SD), trained (TR), sedentary high‐fat diet (SD‐HF), and trained high‐fat diet (TR‐HF) male Wistar rats in the absence (PVAT−) or in the presence (PVAT+) of thoracic PVAT. We also measured circulatory concentrations of leptin and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), as well as the protein expressions of TNF‐α receptor 1 (TNFR1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) on PVAT. In the SD‐HF group, the body weight, epididymal fat pad, thoracic PVAT, circulatory triglycerides, insulin, leptin and TNF‐α were increased when compared with the SD group, whereas exercise training reduced these values in TR‐HF group. The relaxing response curves to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside were not modified by either intervention (high‐fat diet or exercise training) or the presence of PVAT. The presence of PVAT had an anti‐contractile effect in response to serotonin in all groups. In SD‐HF group, the increased magnitude of anti‐contractile effects was in parallel with an up‐regulation of iNOS protein expression in PVAT without alteration in TNFR1. Exercise training was effective in normalizing the vascular reactivity in rings PVAT+ and in reducing the iNOS protein expression. Exercise training prevented the PVAT–induced alteration in thoracic aorta from rats fed a high‐fat diet.
Setting up a cohort study in speech and language therapy: lessons from The UK Cleft Collective Speech and Language (CC‐SL) study
Authors: Wren Yvonne , Humphries Kerry , Stock Nicola Marie , Rumsey Nichola , Lewis Sarah , Davies Amy , Bennett Rhiannon , Sandy Jonathan
Published: December 2017

Background

Efforts to increase the evidence base in speech and language therapy are often limited by methodological factors that have restricted the strength of the evidence to the lower levels of the evidence hierarchy. Where higher graded studies, such as randomized controlled trials, have been carried out, it has sometimes been difficult to obtain sufficient power to detect a potential effect of intervention owing to small sample sizes or heterogeneity in the participants. With certain clinical groups such as cleft lip and palate, systematic reviews of intervention studies have shown that there is no robust evidence to support the efficacy of any one intervention protocol over another.

Aims

To describe the setting up of an observational clinical cohort study and to present this as an alternative design for answering research questions relating to prevalence, risk factors and outcomes from intervention.

Methods

The Cleft Collective Speech and Language (CC‐SL) study is a national cohort study of children born with cleft palate. Working in partnership with regional clinical cleft centres, a sample size of over 600 children and 600 parents is being recruited and followed up from birth to age 5 years. Variables being collected include demographic, psychological, surgical, hearing, and speech and language data.

Main Contribution

The process of setting up the study has led to the creation of a unique, large‐scale data set which is available for researchers to access now and in future. As well as exploring predictive factors, the data can be used to explore the impact of interventions in relation to individual differences. Findings from these investigations can be used to provide information on sample criteria and definitions of intervention and dosage which can be used in future trials.

Conclusions

The observational cohort study is a useful alternative design to explore questions around prevalence, risk factors and intervention for clinical groups where robust research data are not yet available. Findings from such a study can be used to guide service‐delivery decisions and to determine power for future clinical trials.
The logic of counterfactual analysis in case‐study explanation
Authors: Mahoney James , Barrenechea Rodrigo
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we develop a set‐theoretic and possible worlds approach to counterfactual analysis in case‐study explanation. Using this approach, we first consider four kinds of counterfactuals: necessary condition counterfactuals, SUIN condition counterfactuals, sufficient condition counterfactuals, and INUS condition counterfactuals. We explore the distinctive causal claims entailed in each, and conclude that necessary condition and SUIN condition counterfactuals are the most useful types for hypothesis assessment in case‐study research. We then turn attention to the development of a rigorous understanding of the ‘minimal‐rewrite’ rule, linking this rule to insights from set theory about the relative importance of necessary conditions. We show why, logically speaking, a comparative analysis of two necessary condition counterfactuals will tend to favour small events and contingent happenings. A third section then presents new tools for specifying the level of generality of the events in a counterfactual. We show why and how the goals of formulating empirically important versus empirically plausible counterfactuals stand in tension with one another. Finally, we use our framework to link counterfactual analysis to causal sequences, which in turn provides advantages for conducting counterfactual projections.
Disclosure Regulation in the Commercial Banking Industry: Lessons from the National Banking Era
Authors: GRANJA JOÃO
Published: December 2017

I exploit variation in the adoption of disclosure and supervisory regulation across U.S. states to examine their impact on the development and stability of commercial banks. The empirical results suggest that the adoption of state‐level requirements to report financial statements in local newspapers is associated with greater stability and development of commercial banks. I also examine which political constituencies influence the adoption of disclosure and supervisory regulation. I find that powerful landowners and small private banks are associated with late adoption of these regulations. These findings suggest that incumbent groups oppose disclosure rules because the passage of such rules threatens their private interests.
Nontraded food commodity spatial price transmission: evidence from the Niger millet market
Authors: Tankari Mahamadou Roufahi , Goundan Anatole
Published: December 2017

Using an Augmented Factor Vector Autoregressive (FAVAR) Model, this study analyzes spatial millet prices transmission in Niger. Our results did not find condition for millet markets integration existence. However, the Granger causality tests and impulse response functions from the estimated short‐term dynamic as FAVAR model revealed the existence of leading markets whose millet prices affect a maximum number of other regional millet prices, while some regions seem to be isolated from trade or information flows. Furthermore, the significance of a shock depends also on the characteristics of the region where it originates in terms of millet demand or supply, indicating that the region to target and where the price shock originated matter for the policies’ success.
Spatial determinants of productivity growth on agri‐food Spanish firms: a comparison between cooperatives and investor‐owned firms
Authors: Martínez‐Victoria MCarmen , Maté Sánchez‐Val Mariluz , Arcas‐Lario Narciso
Published: December 2017

This study analyses the effect of the spatial factor, location, and interaction effects among peer companies, on the productivity growth of agri‐food companies in Spain. With this aim, we build a productivity growth index and apply a multiequational Seemingly Unrelated Regression on a sample of 344 Spanish cooperatives and investor‐owned firms for the period 2010–2012. Our findings show that agri‐food firms are influenced by spatial factors finding interesting differences between cooperatives and investor‐owned firms. With regard to the geographical location, cooperatives in the western of Spain show higher productivity growth rates, whereas investor‐owned firms in the northeast of Spain present better results. The interaction effect among closer peer companies is also a relevant factor to determine the productivity growth in agri‐food companies. This factor is more relevant for cooperatives than for investor‐owned firms.
Perceiving Cardiac Rehabilitation Staff as Mainly Responsible for Exercise: A Dilemma for Future Self‐Management
Authors: Flora Parminder K. , McMahon Casey J. , Locke Sean R. , Brawley Lawrence R.
Published: December 2017

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) exercise therapy facilitates patient recovery and better health following a cardiovascular event. However, post‐CR adherence to self‐managed (SM)‐exercise is suboptimal. Part of this problem may be participants’ view of CR staff as mainly responsible for help and program structure. Does post‐CR exercise adherence for those perceiving high CR staff responsibility suffer as a consequence?

Methods

Participants in this prospective, observational study were followed over 12 weeks of CR and one month afterward. High perceived staff responsibility individuals were examined for a decline in the strength of adherence‐related social cognitions and exercise. Those high and low in perceived staff responsibility were also compared.

Results

High perceived staff responsibility individuals reported significant declines in anticipated exercise persistence (d = .58) and number of different SM‐exercise options (d = .44). High versus low responsibility comparisons revealed a significant difference in one‐month post‐CR SM‐exercise volume (d = .67). High perceived staff responsibility individuals exercised half of the amount of low responsibility counterparts at one month post‐CR. Perceived staff responsibility and CR SRE significantly predicted SM‐exercise volume, R2adj = .10, and persistence, R2adj = .18, one month post‐CR.

Conclusion

Viewing helpful well‐trained CR staff as mainly responsible for participant behavior may be problematic for post‐CR exercise maintenance among those more staff dependent.