bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphoregulation of HORMA domain protein HIM-3 promotes asymmetric synaptonemal complex disassembly in meiotic prophase inC. elegans
Authors: Sato-Carlton Aya , Nakamura-Tabuchi Chihiro , Li Xuan , Boog Hendrik , Lehmer Madison K , Rosenberg Scott C , Barroso Consuelo , Martinez-Perez Enrique , Corbett Kevin D , Carlton Peter Mark
Published: July 2020

In the two cell divisions of meiosis, diploid genomes are reduced into complementary haploid sets through the discrete, two-step removal of chromosome cohesion, a task carried out in most eukaryotes by protecting cohesion at the centromere until the second division. In eukaryotes without defined centromeres, however, alternative strategies have been innovated. The best-understood of these is that used by the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans, where upon division of the chromosome into two segments or arms by the single off-center crossover, several chromosome-associated proteins or post-translational modifications become specifically partitioned to either the short or long arm, where they affect the timing of cohesion loss through as-yet unknown mechanisms. Here, we investigate the meiotic axis HORMA-domain protein HIM-3 and show that it becomes phosphorylated at its C-terminus, within the conserved “closure motif” region bound by the related HORMA-domain proteins HTP-1 and HTP-2. Binding of HTP-2 is abrogated by phosphorylation of the closure motif inin vitroassays, strongly suggesting thatin vivophosphorylation of HIM-3 likely modulates the hierarchical structure of the chromosome axis. Phosphorylation of HIM-3 only occurs on synapsed chromosomes, and similarly to previously-described phosphorylated proteins of the synaptonemal complex, becomes restricted to the short arm after designation of crossover recombination sites. Regulation of HIM-3 phosphorylation status is required for timely disassembly of synaptonemal complex central elements from the long arm, and is also required for proper timing of HTP-1 and HTP-2 dissociation from the short arm. Phosphorylation of HIM-3 thus plays a role in establishing the identity of short and long arms, thereby contributing to the robustness of the two-step chromosome segregation.
Probabilistic Colocalization of Genetic Variants from Complex and Molecular Traits: Promise and Limitations
Authors: Hukku Abhay , Pividori Milton , Luca Francesca , Pique-Regi Roger , Im Hae Kyung , Wen Xiaoquan
Published: July 2020

Colocalization analysis has emerged as a powerful tool to uncover the overlapping of causal variants responsible for both molecular and complex disease phenotypes. The findings from colocalization analysis yield insights into the molecular pathways of complex diseases. In this paper, we conduct an in-depth investigation of the promise and limitations of the available colocalization analysis approaches. Focusing on variant-level colocalization approaches, we first establish the connections between various existing methods. We proceed to discuss the impacts of various controllable analytical factors and uncontrollable practical factors on outcomes of colocalization analysis through realistic simulations and real data examples. We identify a single analytical factor, the specification of prior enrichment levels, which can lead to severe inflation of false-positive colocalization findings. Meanwhile, the combination of many other analytical and practical factors all lead to diminished power. Consequently, we recommend the following strategies for the best practice of colocalization analysis: i) estimating prior enrichment level from the observed data; and ii) separating fine-mapping and colocalization analysis. Our analysis of 4,091 complex traits and the multi-tissue eQTL data from the GTEx (version 8) suggests that colocalizations of molecular QTLs and GWAS traits are widespread in many complex traits. However, only a small proportion can be confidently identified from currently available data due to a lack of power. Our findings should serve as an important benchmark for the current and future integrative genetic association analysis applications.
Genome-scale CRISPR screening for modifiers of cellular LDL uptake
Authors: Emmer Brian T. , Sherman Emily J. , Lascuna Paul J. , Graham Sarah E. , Willer Cristen J. , Ginsburg David
Published: July 2020

Hypercholesterolemia is a causal and modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. A critical pathway regulating cholesterol homeostasis involves the receptor-mediated endocytosis of low-density lipoproteins into hepatocytes, mediated by the LDL receptor. We applied genome-scale CRISPR screening to query the genetic determinants of cellular LDL uptake in HuH7 cells cultured under either lipoprotein-rich or lipoprotein-starved conditions. Candidate LDL uptake regulators were validated through the synthesis and secondary screening of a customized library of gRNA at greater depth of coverage. This secondary screen yielded significantly improved performance relative to the primary genome-wide screen, with better discrimination of internal positive controls, no identification of negative controls, and improved concordance between screen hits at both the gene and gRNA level. We then applied our customized gRNA library to orthogonal screens that tested for the specificity of each candidate regulator for LDL versus transferrin endocytosis, the presence or absence of genetic epistasis withLDLRdeletion, the impact of each perturbation on LDLR expression and trafficking, and the generalizability of LDL uptake modifiers across multiple cell types. These findings identified several previously unrecognized genes with putative roles in LDL uptake and suggest mechanisms for their functional interaction with LDLR.
Neural divergence and hybrid disruption between ecologically isolatedHeliconiusbutterflies
Authors: Montgomery Stephen H. , Rossi Matteo , McMillan W. Owen , Merrill Richard M.
Published: July 2020

The importance of behavioural evolution during speciation is well established, but we know little about how this is manifest in sensory and neural systems. Although a handful of studies have linked specific neural changes to divergence in host or mate preferences associated with speciation, how brains respond to broad environmental transitions, and whether this contributes to reproductive isolation, remains unknown. Here, we examine divergence in brain morphology and neural gene expression between closely related, but ecologically distinct,Heliconiusbutterflies. Despite on-going gene flow, sympatric species pairs within themelpomene-cydnocomplex are consistently separated across a gradient of open to closed forest and decreasing light intensity. By generating quantitative neuroanatomical data for 107 butterflies, we show thatH. melpomeneandH. cydnohave substantial shifts in brain morphology across their geographic range, with divergent structures clustered in the visual system. These neuroanatomical differences are mirrored by extensive divergence in neural gene expression. Differences in both morphology and gene expression are heritable, exceed expected rates of neutral divergence, and result in intermediate traits in first generation hybrid offspring. This likely disrupts neural system function, leading to a mismatch between the environment and the behavioral response of hybrids. Our results suggest that disruptive selection on both neural function and external morphology result in coincident barriers to gene flow, thereby facilitating speciation.
Isomerization of antimalarial drug WR99210 explains its inactivity in a commercial stock
Authors: Remcho T. Parks , Guggilapu Sravanthi D. , Cruz Phillip , Nardone Glenn A. , Heffernan Gavin , O’Connor Robert D. , Bewley Carole A. , Wellems Thomas E. , Lane Kristin D.
Published: July 2020

WR99210, a former antimalarial drug candidate now widely used for the selection ofPlasmodiumtransfectants, selectively targets the parasite dihydrofolate reductase thymidine synthase bifunctional enzyme (DHFR-TS) but not human DHFR, which is not fused with TS. Accordingly, WR99210 and plasmids expressing humandhfrhave become valued tools for the genetic modification of parasites in the laboratory. Concerns over the ineffectiveness of WR99210 from some sources encouraged us to investigate the biological and chemical differences of supplies from two different companies (compounds1and2). Compound1proved effective at low nanomolar concentrations againstPlasmodium falciparumparasites, whereas compound2was ineffective even at micromolar concentrations. Intact and fragmented mass spectra indicated identical molecular formulae of the unprotonated (free base) structures of1and2; however, the compounds displayed differences by thin layer chromatography, reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, indicating important isomeric differences. Structural evaluations by1H,13C, and15N nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed1as WR99210 and2as an isomeric dihydrotriazine. Induced fit, computational docking models showed that1binds tightly and specifically in theP. falciparumDHFR active site whereas2fits poorly to the active site in loose and varied orientations. Stocks and concentrates of WR99210 should be monitored for the presence of isomer2, particularly when they are not supplied as the hydrochloride salt or are exposed to basic conditions that can promote isomerization. Absorption spectroscopy may serve for assays of the unrearranged and rearranged triazines.
Early postmortem mapping of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in patients with COVID-19 and correlation to tissue damage
Authors: Deinhardt-Emmer Stefanie , Wittschieber Daniel , Sanft Juliane , Kleemann Sandra , Elschner Stefan , Haupt Karoline F. , Vau Vanessa , Häring Clio , Rödel Jürgen , Henke Andreas , Ehrhardt Christina , Bauer Michael , Philipp Mike , Gaßler Nikolaus , Nietzsche Sandor , Löffler Bettina , Mall Gita
Published: July 2020

Clinical observations indicate that COVID-19 is a systemic disease. An investigation of the viral distribution within the human body in correlation to tissue damage can help understanding the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

We present a detailed mapping of viral RNA in 61 tissues and organs of 11 deceased patients with the diagnosis COVID-19. The autopsies were performed within the (very) early postmortem interval (mean: 5.6 hours) to avoid bias due to viral RNA and tissue degradation. Viral loads, blood levels of cytokines, prothrombotic factors as well as macro- and micro-morphology were correlated.

Very high (> 104copies/ml) viral loads were detected in the lungs of most patients and then correlated to severe tissue damage. Intact viral particles could be verified in the lung tissue by transmission electron microscopy. Viral loads in the lymph nodes were associated with a loss of follicular architecture. Viral RNA was detected throughout further extra-pulmonary tissues and organs without visible tissue damage. Inflammatory cytokines as well as the prothrombotic factors were elevated in all patients.

In conclusion, the dissemination of SARS-CoV-2-RNA throughout the body supports the hypothesis of a maladaptive host response with viremia and multi-organ dysfunction.
Predictive Neural Computations Support Spoken Word Recognition: Evidence from MEG and Competitor Priming
Authors: Wang Yingcan Carol , Sohoglu Ediz , Gilbert Rebecca A. , Henson Richard N. , Davis Matthew H.
Published: July 2020

Human listeners achieve quick and effortless speech comprehension through computations of conditional probability using Bayes rule. However, the neural implementation of Bayesian perceptual inference remains unclear. Competitive-selection accounts (e.g. TRACE) propose that word recognition is achieved through direct inhibitory connections between units representing candidate words that share segments (e.g.hygieneandhijackshare /haidʒ/). Manipulations that increase lexical uncertainty should increase neural responses associated with word recognition when words cannot be uniquely identified. In contrast, predictive-selection accounts (e.g. Predictive-Coding) proposes that spoken word recognition involves comparing heard and predicted speech sounds and using prediction error to update lexical representations. Increased lexical uncertainty in words likehygieneandhijackwill increase prediction error and hence neural activity only at later time points when different segments are predicted. We collected MEG data from male and female listeners to test these two Bayesian mechanisms and used a competitor priming manipulation to change the prior probability of specific words. Lexical decision responses showed delayed recognition of target words (hygiene) following presentation of a neighbouring prime word (hijack) several minutes earlier. However, this effect was not observed with pseudoword primes (higent) or targets (hijure). Crucially, MEG responses in the STG showed greater neural responses for word-primed wordsafterthe point at which they were uniquely identified (after /haidʒ/ inhygiene) but notbeforewhile similar changes were again absent for pseudowords. These findings are consistent with accounts of spoken word recognition in which neural computations of prediction error play a central role.

Significance Statement

Effective speech perception is critical to daily life and involves computations that combine speech signals with prior knowledge of spoken words; that is, Bayesian perceptual inference. This study specifies the neural mechanisms that support spoken word recognition by testing two distinct implementations of Bayes perceptual inference. Most established theories propose direct competition between lexical units such that inhibition of irrelevant candidates leads to selection of critical words. Our results instead support predictive-selection theories (e.g. Predictive-Coding): by comparing heard and predicted speech sounds, neural computations of prediction error can help listeners continuously update lexical probabilities, allowing for more rapid word identification.
Plasmodium DEH is ER-localized and crucial for oocyst mitotic division during malaria transmission
Authors: Guttery David S. , Pandey Rajan , Ferguson David J. P. , Wall Richard J. , Brady Declan , Gupta Dinesh , Holder Anthony A. , Tewari Rita
Published: July 2020

Cells use fatty acids (FAs) for membrane biosynthesis, energy storage and the generation of signaling molecules. 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase – DEH – is a key component of very long chain FA (VLCFA) synthesis. Here, we further characterized in-depth the location and function of DEH, applying in silico analysis, live cell imaging, reverse genetics and ultrastructure analysis using the mouse malaria model Plasmodium berghei. DEH is evolutionarily conserved across eukaryotes, with a single DEH in Plasmodium spp. and up to three orthologs in the other eukaryotes studied. DEH-GFP live-cell imaging showed strong GFP fluorescence throughout the life-cycle, with areas of localized expression in the cytoplasm and a circular ring pattern around the nucleus that colocalized with ER markers. Δdeh mutants showed a small but significant reduction in oocyst size compared to WT controls from day 10 post-infection onwards and endomitotic cell division and sporogony were completely ablated, blocking parasite transmission from mosquito to vertebrate host. Ultrastructure analysis confirmed degeneration of Δdeh oocysts, and a complete lack of sporozoite budding. Overall, DEH is evolutionarily conserved, localizes to the ER and plays a crucial role in sporogony.
Muribaculaceae genomes assembled from metagenomes suggest genetic drivers of differential response to acarbose treatment in mice
Authors: Smith Byron J. , Miller Richard A. , Schmidt Thomas M.
Published: July 2020

The drug acarbose is used to treat diabetes, and, by inhibiting α-amylase in the small intestine, increases the amount of starch entering the lower digestive tract. This results in changes to the composition of the microbiota and their fermentation products. Acarbose also increases longevity in mice, an effect that has been correlated with increased production of the short-chain fatty acids propionate and butyrate. In experiments replicated across three study sites, two distantly related species in the bacterial family Muribaculaceae were dramatically more abundant in acarbose-treated mice, distinguishing these responders from other members of the family. Bacteria in the family Muribaculaceae are predicted to produce propionate as a fermentation end product and are abundant and diverse in the guts of mice, although few isolates are available. We reconstructed genomes from metagenomes (MAGs) for nine populations of Muribaculaceae to examine factors that distinguish species that respond positively to acarbose. We found two closely related MAGs (B1A and B1B) from one responsive species that both contain a polysaccharide utilization locus with a predicted extracellular α-amylase. These genomes also shared a periplasmic neopullulanase with another, distantly related MAG (B2) representative of the only other responsive species. This gene differentiated these three MAGs from MAGs representative of non-responding species. Differential gene content in B1A and B1B may be associated with the inconsistent response of this species to acarbose across study sites. This work demonstrates the utility of culture-free genomics for inferring the ecological roles of gut bacteria including their response to pharmaceutical perturbations.

Importance

The drug acarbose is used to treat diabetes by preventing the breakdown of starch in the small intestine, resulting in dramatic changes in the abundance of some members of the gut microbiome and its fermentation products. In mice, several of the bacteria that respond most positively are classified in the family Muribaculaceae, members of which produce propionate as a primary fermentation product. Propionate has been associated with gut health and increased longevity in mice. We found that genomes of the most responsive Muribaculaceae showed signs of specialization for starch fermentation, presumably providing them a competitive advantage in the large intestine of animals consuming acarbose. Comparisons among genomes enhance existing models for the ecological niches occupied by members of this family. In addition, genes encoding one type of enzyme known to participate in starch breakdown were found in all three genomes from responding species, but none of the other genomes.
Evolution of COVID-19 Pandemic in India
Authors: Asad Ali , Srivastava Siddharth , Verma Mahendra K.
Published: July 2020

A mathematical analysis of patterns for the evolution of COVID-19 cases is key to the development of reliable and robust predictive models potentially leading to efficient and effective governance against COVID-19. Towards this objective, we study and analyze the temporal growth pattern of COVID-19 infection and death counts in various states of India. Our analysis up to August 4, 2020, shows that several states (namely Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal) have reachedt2power-law growth, while Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh exhibit linear growth. Delhi has reachedphase and may flatten in the coming days. However, some states have deviated from the universal pattern of the epidemic curve. Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan show a gradual rise in the power-law regime, which is not the usual trend. Also, Bihar, Karnataka, and Kerala are exhibiting a second wave. In addition, we report that initially, the death counts show similar behavior as the infection counts. Later, however, the death growth rate declines as compared to the infection growth due to better handling of critical cases and increased immunity of the population. These observations indicate that except Delhi, most of the Indian states are far from flattening their epidemic curves.
Differential COVID-19 case positivity in New York City neighborhoods: socioeconomic factors and mobility
Authors: Lamb Matthew R. , Kandula Sasikiran , Shaman Jeffrey
Published: July 2020

New York City has been one of the hotspots of the COVID-19 pandemic and during the first two months of the outbreak considerable variability in case positivity was observed across the city’s ZIP codes. In this study, we examined: a) the extent to which the variability in ZIP code level cases can be explained by aggregate markers of socioeconomic status and daily change in mobility; and b) the extent to which daily change in mobility independently predicts case positivity.

Our analysis indicates that the markers considered together explained 56% of the variability in case positivity through April 1 and their explanatory power decreased to 18% by April 30. Our analysis also indicates that changes in mobility during this time period are not likely to be acting as a mediator of the relationship between ZIP-level SES and case positivity. During the middle of April, increases in mobility were independently associated with decreased case positivity. Together, these findings present evidence that heterogeneity in COVID-19 case positivity during the New York City spring outbreak was largely driven by residents’ socioeconomic status.
Development of the IcanSDM scale to assess primary care clinicians’ ability to adopt shared decision-making
Authors: Giguere Anik MC , Bogza Laura-Mihaela , Coudert Laetitia , Carmichael Pierre-Hugues , Renaud Jean-Sébastien , Légaré France , Lindig Anja , Voyer Philippe
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Implementation of shared decision making (SDM) remains a challenge. To support implementation studies, we sought to develop and validate the IcanSDM scale that assesses clinicians’ perceptions of their ability to adopt SDM.

Methods

An expert panel reviewed the literature on clinician-reported barriers to SDM adoption, to create an 11-item preliminary scale. A convenience sample of 16 clinicians from Québec (Canada) completed the IcanSDM and the Belief about Capabilities subscale of the CPD-Reaction instrument (BCap), before and after SDM training. We audio-recorded their comments as they completed the scale. We measured IcanSDM’s internal consistency, sensitivity to change and correlation with BCap. Partial correlation coefficients and item analyses suggested removing three items. We then tested the 8-item IcanSDM with a new sample of 17 clinicians.

Results

In the 11-item IcanSDM version, three items lacked clarity or responsiveness, or showed negative partial correlations with the whole instrument. We thus removed these items. The revised 8-item version gave Cronbach’s alphas of 0.63 before and 0.71 after training, and a 16% improvement in IcanSDM total score after training, compared to before training (p<0.0001). We also found a significant correlation between IcanSDM and the BCap before training (p=0.02), but not after (p=0.46).

Discussion

IcanSDM is the only instrument measuring this construct. It could thus help bridge the gap in our ability to understand the determinants of clinicians’ SDM behavior intentions and thus help improve SDM implementation impacts and efforts. IcanSDM requires testing with a larger sample to confirm its responsiveness.

Lessons for practice

IcanSDM assesses clinicians’ perceived ability to adopt shared decision making.

IcanSDM demonstrated adequate validity and reliability but needs more testing to confirm its responsiveness.

IcanSDM is promising to assess the impacts of training in shared decision making and other initiatives to implement shared decision making.
Using the infection fatality rate to predict the evolution of Covid-19 in Brazil
Authors: Cecconello M. S. , Diniz G. L. , Silva E. B.
Published: July 2020

In this work we are going to use estimates of Infection Fatality Rate (IFR) for Covid-19 in order to predict the evolution of Covid-19 in Brazil. To this aim, we are going to fit the parameters of the SIR model using the official deceased data available by governmental agencies. Furthermore, we are going to analyse the impact of social distancing policies on the transmission parameters.
Cytogenetic signatures of recurrent pregnancy losses
Authors: Yatsenko Svetlana. A. , Quesada-Candela Cristina , Saller Devereux N. , Beck Stacy , Jaffe Ronald , Kostadinov Stefan , Yanowitz Judith , Rajkovic Aleksandar
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To investigate the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in the products of conception (POC) of patients with spontaneous miscarriages (SM) and with recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL), and to determine biological mechanisms contributing to RPL.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

University-affiliated medical center.

Patients

During a 20-years period, 12,096 POC samples underwent classical chromosome analysis as a part of standard clinical care.

Interventions

Cytogenetic findings were classified into six categories and compared between the SM and RPL cohorts.

Main Outcome Measures

RPL-specific cytogenetic abnormalities and sex bias in POCs with autosomal aneuploidy.

Results

Analysis of a large cohort of RPL patients has identified an increased incidence of inherited and de novo structural chromosome abnormalities, recurrent polyploid conceptions, and complex mosaic alterations. These abnormalities are the signature of genomic instability, posing a high risk of genetic abnormalities to offspring independent of maternal age. Predominance of male conceptions in the RPL cohort points toward X-linked etiology and gender-specific intolerance for certain genetic abnormalities.

Conclusions

Our study showed several possible genetic etiologies of RPL, including parental structural chromosome rearrangements, predisposition to meiotic nondisjunction and genomic instability in patients with karyotypically abnormal POCs. Loss of karyotypically normal fetuses might be attributed to defects in genes essential for fetal development and survival, as well as aberrations affecting the X chromosome structure or function. Molecular studies of parental and POC genomes will help to identify inherited defects in genes involved in meiotic divisions and DNA repair to confirm our hypotheses, and to discover novel fetal-essential genes.
Dementia Risk Reduction in Practice: The Knowledge, Opinions and Perspectives of Australian Healthcare Providers
Authors: Zheng Lidan , Godbee Kali , Steiner Genevieve Z. , Daylight Gail , Ee Carolyn , Hill Thi Yen , Hohenberg Mark , Lautenschlager Nicola T. , McDonald Keith , Pond Dimity , Radford Kylie , Anstey Kaarin J. , Peters Ruth
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The aim of this paper was to assess Australian primary healthcare providers’ perspectives and knowledge about dementia risk factors and risk reduction.

Methods

Primary healthcare providers were recruited through Primary Health Networks across Australia (N = 51). Participants completed an online survey that consisted of fixed-response and free-text components to assess their knowledge, attitudes and current practices relating to dementia risk factors and risk reduction techniques.

Results

The survey results showed that over 85% of participants agree that quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, increasing social activity, and treating diabetes can help to reduce the risk of developing dementia. The top suggestions for dementia risk reduction by Australian primary healthcare providers included living a healthy lifestyle (36%), managing cardiovascular risk (17%), and cognitive stimulation (14%). The primary barriers identified for working with patients to reduce dementia risk included low patient motivation and healthcare system level limitations. The most common recommendations were increasing resources and improving dementia awareness and messaging.

Conclusions

Collaborative efforts between researchers, media, clinicians, and policy makers are likely needed to support the uptake of risk reduction activities into primary care settings.
Impact of a firm's commitment to learning and open-mindedness on its organizational innovation among Russian manufacturing firms
Authors: Dukeov Igor , Bergman Jukka-Pekka , Heilmann Pia , Nasledov Andrey
Published: July 2020

Purpose

During the last decade, a firm's ability to innovate has gained substantial attention in the literature devoted to innovation and strategic management. This study aims at discussing on what is the relationship of a firm's commitment to learn and its open-mindedness with its activity in introducing organizational innovations. The data collection was carried out in Russia. In order to make the research more specific, the organizational innovation is broken down into two subtypes, namely innovation in management practices and innovation in workplace organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is grounded on the data obtained by the surveying of 123 Russian top managers working in manufacturing firms. The structural equation modeling was approached in order to investigate the impact of a firm's commitment to learn and open-mindedness on its organizational innovation.

Findings

The results indicate that the commitment to learn and the open-mindedness have considerable impact on organizational innovation activity in a firm. The findings also provide evidence that both the investigated subtypes of organizational innovation are positively influenced by commitment to learn and open-mindedness, though the degree of that influence differs.

Originality/value

The literature traditionally focuses mostly on the technological type of innovation leaving the organizational innovation covered by scarce research. In this respect the study contributes to the theory of organizational innovation by elaborating its relations with organizational learning dimensions. Apart from the investigation on the research question at a general level, the study explores the specific context related to the manifestation of phenomenon in a transition economy of Russia.
Thirty days are enough: what determines the crowd's cash time in agri-food crowdfunding?
Authors: Li Yaokuang , Du Junjuan , Fu Weizhong
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing quick cash by crowd in agri-food crowdfunding campaigns; this paper utilizes prospect theory to analyze the value and weighting functions of the crowd's cash.

Design/methodology/approach

Using samples of crowdfunding campaigns launched in the Zhongchou (www.Zhongchou.cn) platform's agriculture and food category, this paper employs a multivariate linear regression model to investigate factors that motivate the crowd to make quick investment decisions.

Findings

The results demonstrate that lowering the investment threshold, improving publicity, and increasing the benefits of a campaign can increase the decision weight assigned to a campaign, thereby motivating the crowd to make quick investment decisions. Improving the product's reputation, enhancing campaign promotion, and diversifying the reward scheme can increase the crowd's expected value of the campaign – another motivation for a quicker cash decision.

Practical implications

This paper can help initiators, platforms and regulators better fulfil their roles in promoting the rapid, healthy development of crowdfunding in the agri-food industry, especially in the context of the Chinese launch of significant initiatives to develop crowdfunding aimed at rural e-commerce and poverty alleviation.

Originality/value

This paper extends the behavioral finance concept of prospect theory to agri-food crowdfunding campaigns and investigates factors that motivate the crowd to make quick investment decisions. Additionally, this paper demonstrates that the backers of crowdfunding are not perfectly rational and can be motivated to invest by increasing mean decision weight and expected value of a campaign.
Enhancement of low voltage ride-through ability of the photovoltaic array aided by the MPPT algorithm connected with wind turbine
Authors: Madan Charanjeet , Kumar Naresh
Published: July 2020

Purpose

By means of the massive environmental and financial reimbursements, wind turbine (WT) has turned out to be a satisfactory substitute for the production of electricity by nuclear or fossil power plants. Numerous research studies are nowadays concerning the scheme to develop the performance of the WT into a doubly fed induction generator-low voltage ride-through (DFIG-LVRT) system, with utmost gain and flexibility. To overcome the nonlinear characteristics of WT, a photovoltaic (PV) array is included along with the WT to enhance the system’s performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper intends to simulate the control system (CS) for the DFIG-LVRT system with PV array operated by the MPPT algorithm and the WT that plays a major role in the simulation of controllers to rectify the error signals. This paper implements a novel method called self-adaptive whale with fuzzified error (SWFE) design to simulate the optimized CS. In addition, it distinguishes the SWFE-based LVRT system with standard LVRT system and the system with minimum and maximum constant gain.

Findings

Through the performance analysis, the value of gain with respect to the number of iterations, it was noted that at 20th iteration, the implemented method was 45.23% better than genetic algorithm (GA), 50% better than particle swarm optimization (PSO), 2.3% better than ant bee colony (ABC) and 28.5% better than gray wolf optimization (GWO) techniques. The investigational analysis has authenticated that the implemented SWFE-dependent CS was effectual for DFIG-LVRT, when distinguished with the aforementioned techniques.

Originality/value

This paper presents a technique for simulating the CS for DFIG-LVRT system using the SWFE algorithm. This is the first work that utilizes SWFE-based optimization for simulating the CS for the DFIG-LVRT system with PV array and WT.
Mechanisms underlying supervisor creativity-relevant skills and subordinate creativity
Authors: Thuan Le Cong
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to focus on exploring how supervisors with high creativity-relevant skills stimulate their subordinate creativity through subordinate creativity-relevant skills and creative role identity.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzed the data gathered from 381 employees working in information technology (IT) organizations in Southern Vietnam using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The results indicate that supervisor creativity-relevant skills did not directly influence subordinate creativity. However, subordinate creativity-relevant skills and creative role identity fully mediated this association.

Practical implications

First, when staffing supervisory positions, organizations should consider individuals with a high level of creativity-relevant skills. Second, organizations should encourage supervisors to participate in training programs to develop knowledge and skills, in particular, creativity-relevant skills. Third, organizations should design a work environment that gives employees a substantial amount of time to interact with supervisors who have a high level of creativity-relevant skills. Finally, organizations should give supervisors opportunities for sharing their creativity-relevant skills with their subordinates.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first efforts to investigate the crucial role of supervisor creativity-relevant skills in enhancing subordinate creativity. Moreover, this research seeks to examine subordinate creativity-relevant skills and creative role identity as mediating mechanisms linking supervisor creativity-relevant skills with subordinates' creative performance.
Effects of occupant behaviour on energy performance in buildings: a green and non-green building comparison
Authors: Almeida Laura , Tam Vivian W.Y. , Le Khoa N. , She Yujuan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Occupants are one of the most impacting factors in the overall energy performance of buildings, according to literature. Occupants’ behaviours and actions may impact the overall use of energy in more than 50%. In order to quantify the impact that occupant behaviour has in the use of energy, this study simulated interactions between occupants and the systems present in two actual buildings. The main aim was to compare the deviations due to occupant behaviour with the actual conditions and energy use of the two buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The buildings used as a case study in this research were green buildings, rated according to the Australian Green Star certification system as a 6-star and a non-rated building. The two buildings are university buildings with similar characteristics, from Western Sydney University, in Sydney, Australia. A comparison was performed by means of building simulations among the use of energy in both buildings, aiming to understand if the green rating had any impact on the energy related to occupant behaviour. Therefore, to represent the actual buildings' conditions, the actual data related with climate, geometry, systems, internal loads, etc. were used as input variables in the simulation models of the green and the non-rated buildings. Both models were calibrated and validated, having as target the actual monitored use of electricity.

Findings

Occupants were categorized according to their levels of energy use as follows: saving, real and intensive energy users. Building simulations were performed to each building, with varying parameters related with lighting, plug loads, windows/doors opening, shading and air conditioning set points. Results show that occupant behaviour may impact the buildings' energy performance in a range of 72% between the two extremes. There is no significant relationship between the green rating and the way occupants behave in terms of the energy use.

Originality/value

This study intends to show the impact of different categories of occupant behaviour in the overall energy performance of two university buildings, a non-rated and a green-rated building, having as reference an actual representation of the buildings. Additionally, the study aims to understand the main differences between a green-rated and a non-rated building when accounting with the previous categories.
Proposal for the development of sleeve patternmaking process and the definition of sleeve pattern structures for mass customization
Authors: Han Hyunsook , Han Hyunjung , Kim Taehoon
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose the parametric sleeve patternmaking method that enables mass customization.

Design/methodology/approach

To propose the parametric sleeve patternmaking method, the required components for parametrization were identified, and required elements for the application of mass customization were extracted as an objective sleeve pattern.

Findings

Overall drafting processes, the formulas for lines and points, the values of notches, and the value of the ease of ESMOD method, the angles and the formulas for darts of Müller’s method, and the size of Sleeve Opening and the way of pattern control of Secoli’s method were combined in the new method proposed.

Research limitations/implications

Further study requires a comprehensive analysis of the proposed sleeve patternmaking method and developing the parametric sleeve pattern CAD for mass customization to utilize and commercialize the parametric sleeve patternmaking method.

Practical implications

The parametric sleeve patternmaking method is suitable for mass customization. Especially, even beginners would apply the parametric sleeve patternmaking method proposed in this study to any type of bodice pattern without confusion.

Originality/value

The parametric sleeve patternmaking method proposed is simple and delivers the lines and the calculated values for the sleeve patternmaking clearly and objectively rather than the patterner’s intuition does.
Potential of digital technologies in academic entrepreneurship – a study
Authors: Oppong Gladys Yaa Saah , Singh Saumya , Kujur Fedric
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Digital technologies have become indispensable in businesses and are gaining attention in academic institutions context too. Digital technological ecosystems provide a platform to communicate and share their products and services to existing and potential customers. Entrepreneurial startups and companies face internal and external challenges utilizing social media technologies to commercialize their business ideas. The purpose of this paper is to identify opportunities and challenges faced by academic entrepreneurs' startups.

Design/methodology/approach

This research has adopted a qualitative approach comprising of semi-structured in-depth interviews with academic entrepreneurs’ startups to find the main challenge they face using social media platforms. The purpose was associated with an exploratory type of study and also included a prominent unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and technological opportunism (TO) model. The research respondents were 23 academic entrepreneurs startups who were chosen applying purposive sampling. Respondents were given a set of a questionnaire consisting of close-ended questions that are five-point Likert scale. The questionnaire included various parameters to measure the social media challenges the academic entrepreneurs’ startups undergo in the initial phase of their businesses.

Findings

The study identified that business-to-customer relations, brand, reputation, competition and cultural and language influence digital technologies entrepreneurship. While, the findings discovered the extended research model has a positive influence on academic entrepreneurs' intentions to use digital technologies media platforms. The outcome of this paper has thrown more light on which issues are there in digital technologies entrepreneurship, the determinants and actual usage advantages from UTAUT model and TO model that could be properly employed to solve issues of digital technologies media platforms and the potential concerning the adoption and use of digital technologies.

Originality/value

The study of academic entrepreneurs' startups can be considered original in nature. There is dearth of standard literature in the upcoming area of academic entrepreneurship. Governments are taking initiatives to promote academic entrepreneurs' startups, and the findings will be able to give them a right direction.
Impact of perceived value on the satisfaction of supermarket customers: developing country perspective
Authors: Slack Neale , Singh Gurmeet , Sharma Shavneet
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the impact of customer perceived value and its dimensions on customer satisfaction in a developing country, and practical suggestions for marketing strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey collected data from five-hundred supermarket customers in Fiji. SPSS was used to provide descriptive and inferential analysis.

Findings

Results reveal that customer perceived value (CPV) has a positive impact on customer satisfaction; and functional value (price/value for money) has more positive impact than social value, emotional value has a negative impact and functional value (performance/quality) has no significant impact on customer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Considering this research was undertaken in the supermarket sector of only one country, other researchers are urged to replicate this research in Fiji and other developing countries, to yield further insight into the context-specific nature of CPV.

Practical implications

It is suggested that marketers note these findings (to understand better the conceptualisation and context-dependent nature of CPV, its dimensional interrelationships and its impact on customer satisfaction) in order to enhance CPV and ultimately customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study makes several contributions to research on CPV by providing insight into how developing country customers perceive the value of supermarkets from a construct and multidimensional perspective, the inter-relatedness of CPV dimensions and the impact of CPV and its dimensions on customer satisfaction.
Behavior of polypropylene fiber reinforced foam concrete beams laterally reinforced with/without glass fiber grid
Authors: AL-Kasasbeh Toqa , Allouzi Rabab
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This research is part of a project that aims to investigate using foamed concrete structurally in houses. Foamed concrete has a porous structure that makes it light in weight, good in thermal insulation, good in sound insulation and workable.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental program is conducted in this research to investigate the behavior of polypropylene fiber reinforced foam concrete beams laterally reinforced with/without glass fiber grid.

Findings

The results proved the effectiveness and efficiency of using glass fiber grid as lateral reinforcements on the shear strength of reinforced foam concrete ribs, in reducing the cracks width and increasing its shear capacity, contrary to using glass fiber grid of reinforced foam concrete beams since glass fiber grid did not play good role in beams.

Originality/value

Limited literature is available regarding the structural use of foam concrete. However, work has been done in many countries concerning its use as insulation material, while limited work was done on structural type of foam concrete.
Development of social market economy under the influence of noneconomic factors: modeling and regulation
Authors: Inshakova Agnessa O. , Frolova Evgenia E. , Galkina Marina V. , Rusakova Ekaterina P.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to model and develop recommendations for regulating the development of social market economy under the influence of noneconomic factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors determine the existing examples of social market economies, in which quality of life clearly correlates with economic growth – and the research objects are thus determined. Then, the list of noneconomic factors, which could be quantitatively characterized based on the official statistics, is formed. The econometric model of dependence of the rate of economic growth of the selected noneconomic factors is created, and it is determined at which combination of these factors' influence it is possible to reach the target rate of economic growth of social market economy. Data are processed automatically by compiling the descriptive statistics and conducting regression analysis within the method of imitation modeling and multiparametric nonlinear optimization.

Findings

It is shown that, unlike the classical market economy (pure capitalism), in which economic factors dominate, social market economy (mixture of capitalism and socialism) is also influenced by noneconomic factors. This changes the view on economic growth as one of the most significant processes in the economic practice and one of the key research objects in economics. It is substantiated that there's a necessity not for micro- (as in the classical market economy) but for macroeconomic view on economic growth through the prism of factors that are external to entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The results of imitation modeling allowed reducing the uncertainty and reflecting the specifics of economic growth of social market economy. The compiled model of multiple linear regression allowed narrowing down the circle and outlining four main noneconomic factors of economic growth of social market economy. The authors' recommendations for regulation of these factors are offered, and a mechanism of regulation of development of social market economy based on noneconomic factors management is offered.