bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromatin mapping and single-cell immune profiling define the temporal dynamics of ibrutinib drug response in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Rendeiro André F. , Krausgruber Thomas , Fortelny Nikolaus , Zhao Fangwen , Penz Thomas , Farlik Matthias , Schuster Linda C. , Nemc Amelie , Tasnády Szabolcs , Réti Marienn , Mátrai Zoltán , Alpar Donat , Bödör Csaba , Schmidl Christian , Bock Christoph
Published: April 2019

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a genetically, epigenetically, and clinically heterogeneous disease. Despite this heterogeneity, the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib provides effective treatment for the vast majority of CLL patients. To define the underlining regulatory program, we analyzed high-resolution time courses of ibrutinib treatment in closely monitored patients, combining cellular phenotyping (flow cytometry), single-cell transcriptome profiling (scRNA-seq), and chromatin mapping (ATAC-seq). We identified a consistent regulatory program shared across all patients, which was further validated by an independent CLL cohort. In CLL cells, this program starts with a sharp decrease of NF-κB binding, followed by reduced regulatory activity of lineage-defining transcription factors (including PAX5 and IRF4) and erosion of CLL cell identity, finally leading to the acquisition of a quiescence-like gene signature which was shared across several immune cell types. Nevertheless, we observed patient-to-patient variation in the speed of its execution, which we exploited to predict patient-specific dynamics in the response to ibrutinib based on pre-treatment samples. In aggregate, our study describes the cellular, molecular, and regulatory effects of therapeutic B cell receptor inhibition in CLL at high temporal resolution, and it establishes a broadly applicable method for epigenome/transcriptome-based treatment monitoring.
Voltage-dependent activation of Rac1 by Nav1.5 channels promotes cell migration
Authors: Yang Ming , James Andrew D. , Suman Rakesh , Kasprowicz Richard , Nelson Michaela , O’Toole Peter J. , Brackenbury William J.
Published: April 2019

Ion channels can regulate the plasma membrane potential (Vm) and cell migration as a result of altered ion flux. However, the mechanism by which Vm regulates motility remains unclear. Here, we show that the Nav1.5 sodium channel carries persistent inward Na+ current which depolarizes the resting Vm at the timescale of minutes. This Nav1.5-dependent Vm depolarization increases Rac1 colocalization with phosphatidylserine, to which it is anchored at the leading edge of migrating cells, promoting Rac1 activation. A genetically-encoded FRET biosensor of Rac1 activation shows that depolarization-induced Rac1 activation results in acquisition of a motile phenotype. By identifying Nav1.5-mediated Vm depolarization as a regulator of Rac1 activation, we link ionic and electrical signaling at the plasma membrane to small GTPase-dependent cytoskeletal reorganization and cellular migration. We uncover a novel and unexpected mechanism for Rac1 activation, which fine tunes cell migration in response to ionic and/or electric field changes in the local microenvironment.
Patterns of urine scent mark pheromone evolution in house mice and relatives (Muridae:Mus)
Authors: Sheehan Michael J , Campbell Polly , Miller Caitlin H
Published: April 2019

Scent marks are important mediators of territorial behavior and sexual selection in many species, especially among mammals. As such, the evolution of compounds used in scent marks has the potential to inform our understanding of signal evolution in relation to social and sexual selection. A major challenge in studies of chemical communication is that the link between semiochemical compounds and genetic changes is often unclear. The major urinary proteins (MUPs) of house mice are elaborated pheromone blends that provide information on sex, status and individual identity. Importantly, MUPs are a direct protein product of genes, providing a clear link between genotype and phenotype. Here we examine the evolution of urinary pheromone signals among house mice and relatives by examining the sequences and patterns of expression of MUPs in the liver, where urine excreted MUPs are produced. MUP patterns have evolved among mouse species both by gene duplication and variation in expression. Notably, the sex-specificity of pheromone expression that has previously been assumed to be male-specific varies considerably across species. Our data reveal that individual identity signals in MUPs evolved prior to 0.35 million years ago and have rapidly diversified through recombining a modest number of perceptually salient amino acid variants. Amino acid variants are much more common on the exterior of the protein where they could interact with vomeronasal receptors, suggesting that perception have played a major role in shaping MUP diversity. Collectively, these data provide new insights into the diverse processes and pressures shaping pheromone signals, and suggest new avenues for using house mice and their wild relatives to probe the evolution of signals and signal processing.
Regulation of subcellular dendritic synapse specificity by axon guidance cues
Authors: Sales Emily C. , Heckman Emily L. , Warren Timothy L. , Doe Chris Q.
Published: April 2019

Neural circuit assembly occurs with subcellular precision, yet the mechanisms underlying this precision remain largely unknown. Subcellular synaptic specificity could be achieved by molecularly distinct subcellular domains that locally regulate synapse formation, or by axon guidance cues restricting access to one of several acceptable targets. We address these models using twoDrosophilaneurons: the dbd sensory neuron and the A08a interneuron. In wild-type larvae, dbd synapses with the A08a medial dendrite but not the A08a lateral dendrite. dbd-specific overexpression of the guidance receptors Unc-5 or Robo-2 results in lateralization of the dbd axon, which forms anatomical and functional monosynaptic connections with the A08a lateral dendrite. We conclude that axon guidance cues, not molecularly distinct dendritic arbors, are a major determinant of dbd-A08a subcellular synapse specificity.
Dental caries in human evolution: frequency of carious lesions in South African fossil hominins
Authors: Towle Ian , Irish Joel D. , De Groote Isabelle , Fernée Christianne
Published: April 2019

Caries frequencies in South African fossil hominins were observed and compared with other hominin samples. Species studied includeParanthropus robustus,Homo naledi,Australopithecus africanus,early HomoandA. sediba. Teeth were viewed macroscopically with Micro-CT scans used to confirm lesions. Position and severity of each lesion were also noted and described. For all South African fossil hominin specimens studied, 16 have carious lesions, six of which are described for the first time in this study. These are from a minimum of six individuals, and include fourP. robustus,oneH. naledi,and oneearly Homoindividual. No carious lesions were found on deciduous teeth, or any teeth assigned toA. africanus. Most are located interproximal, and only posterior teeth are affected. Caries frequency typically ranges between 1-5% of teeth in non-agricultural human samples, and this pattern seemingly holds true for at least the past two million years in the hominin lineage. Non-agricultural populations significantly above or below this threshold generally have a specialized diet, supporting other dietary evidence thatA. africanuslikely consumed large amounts of tough, non-cariogenic vegetation. Given the common occurrence of caries in the other hominin species, cariogenic bacteria and foods were evidently common in their collective oral environment. Along with recent research highlighting additional examples of caries inH. neanderthalensis, earlyHomoand PleistoceneH. sapiens, caries is clearly an ancient disease that was much more common than once maintained throughout the course of human evolution.
Latitudinal MHC variation and haplotype associated differential survival in response to experimental infection of two strains ofBatrachochytrium dendrobatitis(Bd-GPL) in common toads
Authors: Cortazar-Chinarro Maria , Meurling Sara , Schroyens Laurens , Siljestam Mattias , Ritcher-Boix Alex , Laurila Anssi , Höglund Jacob
Published: April 2019

While both innate and adaptive immune system mechanisms have been implicated in resistance against the chytrid fungusBatrachochytrium dendrobatitis, studies on the role of specific MHC haplotypes onBdinfection are rare. Here, we studied latitudinal variation in MHC Class IIB loci along a latitudinal gradient from southern to northern Sweden in common toads,Bufo bufo. Swedish toad populations had fewer MHC Class IIB haplotypes compared to a previous study of populations in Britain. Furthermore, we found MHC diversity to decline from south to the north within Sweden. The low diversity may compromise the ability of northern populations to fight emerging disease, such as the chytrid fungusBd. In a laboratory experiment, we infected newly metamorphosed toads with two strains of the Global Pandemic Lineage of the fungus (Bd-GPL) and compared survival with sham controls. We foundBd-infected toads had lower survival compared to controls. Survival was dependent onBd-strain and whether experimental toads where collected in the south or the north of Sweden with lower survival in northern individuals. MHC diversity was lower in toads of northern origin, all northern animals being monomorphic for a single MHC haplotype, whereas we found seven different haplotypes in southern animals. Survival of infected animals was dependent on bothBd-strain and MHC haplotype suggesting differential infection dynamics depending on bothBd-strain and host MHC characteristics.
Systematic identification of cancer cell vulnerabilities to natural killer cell-mediated immune surveillance
Authors: Pech Matthew F. , Fong Linda E. , Villalta Jacqueline E. , Chan Leanne J.G. , Kharbanda Samir , O’Brien Jonathon J. , McAllister Fiona E. , Firestone Ari J. , Jan Calvin H. , Settleman Jeff
Published: April 2019

Only a subset of cancer patients respond to T-cell checkpoint inhibitors, highlighting the need for alternative immunotherapeutics. We performed CRISPR-Cas9 screens in a leukemia cell line to identify perturbations that enhance natural killer effector functions. Our screens defined critical components of the tumor-immune synapse and highlighted the importance of cancer cell interferon-γsignaling in modulating NK activity. Surprisingly, disrupting the ubiquitin ligase substrate adaptor DCAF15 strongly sensitized cancer cells to NK-mediated clearance. DCAF15 disruption induced an inflamed state in leukemic cells, including increased expression of lymphocyte costimulatory molecules. Proteomic and biochemical analysis revealed that cohesin complex members were endogenous client substrates of DCAF15. Genetic disruption of DCAF15 was phenocopied by treatment with indisulam, an anticancer drug that functions through DCAF15 engagement. In AML patients, reduced DCAF15 expression was associated with improved survival. These findings suggest that DCAF15 inhibition may have useful immunomodulatory properties in the treatment of myeloid neoplasms.
Phosphorimidate Derivatives of Acyclovir; Antiviral Activity Against Canine Parvovirus In Vitro
Authors: Oak Payal M , Mali Akash S. , Chopade Atul R , Shukla Govind
Published: April 2019

Canine parvovirosis is a very transmissible, severe and often deadly infectious disease of dogs caused by Type II canine parvovirus (CPV-2). Recently shows that Parvoviruses are very resistant to Acyclovir which is often used for HSV Chemotherapy in humans and various virucidal purposes in animal diseases in veterinary clinics and animal housing facilities. If acquiescence with vaccination programs and with appropriate decontamination plans is guaranteed, there should be no continuous, nor common, CPV-2 outbreaks. However, a continuous spread of CPV-2 infections is observed, even in shelters where an appropriate vaccination program is applied, and this is reason to provide an antiviral drug therapy. The aim of the present study was to Development of antiviral drugs with determination the effect of concentration of new chemical entity and analyze Acyclovir analogous against CPV-2 strains. A sensitive in vitro assay capable of measuring the infectivity of CPV-2 was employed to determine the efficacy of three different concentrations of 9-(2-hydroxyethomethyl)guanine phosphoromonomorpholidate. We successfully show that new compounds inhibit CPV-2 replication with exhibiting 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) in the low-micromolar range (50μM).
Pluripotent Stem Cells Can Be Isolated from Human Peripheral Nerves after in vitro BMP-2 Stimulation
Authors: Sun Ren-Yi , Heggeness Michael H. , Jia Tanghong , Shrestha Sunaina , Dart Bradley , Yang Shang-You
Published: April 2019

We have recently identified a population of cells within the peripheral nerves of adult mice that can respond to BMP-2 exposure or physical injury to rapidly proliferate. More importantly, these cells exhibited embryonic differentiation potentials that could be induced into osteoblastic and endothelial cells in vitro. The current study examined human nerve specimens to compare and characterize the cells after BMP-2 stimulation. Fresh pieces of human nerve tissue were minced and treated with either BMP-2 (750ng/ml) or vehicle for 12 hours at 37°C, before digested in 0.2% collagenase and 0.05% trypsin-EDTA. Isolated cells were cultured in restrictive stem cell medium. Significantly more cells were obtained from the nerve pieces with BMP-2 treatment in comparison with the non-treated controls. Cell colonies were starting to form at day 3. Expressions of the 4 transcription factors Klf4, c-Myc, Sox2 and Oct4 were confirmed at both transcriptional and translational levels. The cells can be maintained in the stem cell culture medium for at least 6 weeks without changing morphologies. When the cells were switched to fibroblast growth medium, dispersed spindle-shaped cells were noted and became fibroblast activated protein-α (FAP) positive following immunocytochemistry staining. The data suggested that human peripheral nerve tissue also contain a population of cells that can respond to BMP-2 and express all four transcription factors KLF4, Sox2, cMyc, and Oct4. These cells are capable to differentiate into FAP-positive fibroblasts. It is proposed that these cells are possibly at the core of a previously unknown natural mechanism for healing injury.
Heat tolerance and acclimation capacity in unrelated subterranean arthropods living under common and stable thermal conditions
Authors: Pallarés Susana , Colado Raquel , Pérez-Fernández Toni , Wesener Thomas , Ribera Ignacio , Sánchez-Fernández David
Published: April 2019

Cave-dwelling ectotherms, which have evolved for millions of years under stable thermal conditions, could be expected to have adjusted their physiological limits to the narrow range of temperatures they experience and be highly vulnerable to global warming. However, the few existing studies on thermal physiology in subterranean invertebrates point that they have lost some of the thermoregulatory mechanisms common in surface species, but there is a lack of evolutionary adjustment to ambient temperature. The question remains whether this surprising homogeneous thermal niche is common for the whole subterranean biodiversity or just a peculiarity of the species tested. In order to test for the generality of such previous findings, we studied basal heat tolerance and thermal plasticity in four species of distant arthropod groups (Coleoptera, Diplopoda and Collembola) with different evolutionary histories but under similar selection pressures, as they have been exposed to the same constant environmental conditions for a long time (inhabiting the same cave). Adult specimens were exposed at different temperatures for one week to determine upper lethal temperatures. Then, surviving individuals from each treatment were exposed to a fixed stressful temperature to determine acclimation capacity. Upper lethal temperatures were similar to those reported for other subterranean species (between 20-25°C), except from that of the diplopod (28°C), widely exceeding the cave temperature (13-14°C). Acclimation responses differed from a positive acclimation response in two of the species to no acclimation capacity or detrimental acclimation effects in the others. Our results show that thermal niche features are not as homogeneous as expected across the subterranean fauna and unrelated to ambient conditions. We show that some species, likely those that colonized subterranean environments more recently, still retain thermoregulation capacity to face temperature changes. Thus, subterranean species, even those living under similar climatic conditions, might be very differently affected by global warming.
A Mechanism-based Outbreak Projection Study of Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Combining Particle Filtering and Compartmental Models with Pre-vaccination Surveillance data
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Osgood Nathaniel D.
Published: April 2019

Particle filtering is a contemporary Sequential Monte Carlo state inference and identification methodology that allows filtering of general non-Gaussian and non-linear models in light of time series of empirical observations. Several previous lines of research have demonstrated the capacity to effectively apply particle filtering to low-dimensional compartmental transmission models. We demonstrate here implementation and evaluation of particle filtering to more complex compartmental transmission models for pertussis – including application with models involving 1, 2, and 32 age groups and with two distinct functional forms for contact matrices – using over 35 years of monthly and annual pre-vaccination provincial data from the mid-western Canadian province. Following evaluation of the predictive accuracy of these four particle filtering models, we then performed prediction, intervention experiments and outbreak classification analysis based on the most accurate model. Using that model, we contribute the first full-paper description of particle filter-informed intervention evaluation in health. We conclude that applying particle filtering with relatively high-dimensional pertussis transmission models, and incorporating time series of reported counts, can serve as a valuable technique to assist public health authorities in predicting pertussis outbreak evolution and classify whether there will be an outbreak or not in the next month (Area under the ROC Curve of 0.9) in the context of even aggregate monthly incoming empirical data. Within this use, the particle filtering models can moreover perform counterfactual analysis of interventions to assist the public health authorities in intervention planning. With its grounding in an understanding of disease mechanisms and a representation of the latent state of the system, when compared with other emerging applications of artificial intelligence techniques in outbreak projection, this technique further offers the advantages of high explanatory value and support for investigation of counterfactual scenarios.
Subatomic resolution X-ray structures of green fluorescent protein
Authors: Takaba Kiyofumi , Tai Yang , Eki Haruhiko , Dao Hoang-Anh , Hanazono Yuya , Hasegawa Kazuya , Miki Kunio , Takeda Kazuki
Published: April 2019

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is a light-emitting protein that does not require a prosthetic group for its fluorescent activity. As such, GFP has become indispensable as a molecular tool in molecular biology. Nonetheless, there has been no subatomic elucidation of the GFP structure owing to the structural polymorphism around the chromophore. Here, subatomic resolution X-ray structures of GFP without the structural polymorphism are reported. The positions of H atoms, hydrogen-bonding network patterns and accurate geometric parameters were determined for the two protonated forms. Compared with previously determined crystal structures and theoretically optimized structures, the anionic chromophores of the structures represent the authentic resonance state of GFP. In addition, charge-density analysis based on atoms-in-molecules theory and noncovalent interaction analysis highlight weak but substantial interactions between the chromophore and the protein environment. Considered with the derived chemical indicators, the lone pair–π interactions between the chromophore and Thr62 should play a sufficient role in maintaining the electronic state of the chromophore. These results not only reveal the fine structural features that are critical to understanding the properties of GFP, but also highlight the limitations of current quantum-chemical calculations.
The putative polysaccharide deacetylase Ba0331: cloning, expression, crystallization and structure determination
Authors: Andreou Athena , Giastas Petros , Arnaouteli Sofia , Tzanodaskalaki Mary , Tzartos Socrates J. , Bethanis Kostas , Bouriotis Vassilis , Eliopoulos Elias E.
Published: April 2019

Ba0331 is a putative polysaccharide deacetylase from Bacillus anthracis, the etiological agent of the disease anthrax, that contributes to adaptation of the bacterium under extreme conditions and to maintenance of the cell shape. In the present study, the crystal structure of Ba0331 was determined at 2.6 Å resolution. The structure consists of two domains: a fibronectin type 3-like (Fn3-like) domain and a NodB catalytic domain. The latter is present in all carbohydrate esterase family 4 enzymes, while a comparative analysis of the Fn3-like domain revealed structural plasticity despite the retention of the conserved Fn3-like domain characteristics.
Spatial agglomeration and specialization in emerging markets
Authors: Resbeut Mathieu , Gugler Philippe , Charoen Danuvasin
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the role of specialization and agglomeration forces on industry performance in an emerging market, namely, Thailand. In particular, the impact of clusters and the influence of complexity will be tackled.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used is based on the work of Delgado et al. (2014). Industries and clusters are assigned to a certain category according to their respective level of specialization and complexity. Performance measures are then computed for each category.

Findings

It was found that the agglomeration of similar industries and co-located and related industries increase the performance of firms in terms of gross output per employee and remuneration per employee. Moreover, the increase of performance induced by the complexity level of an industry was closely related to the level of specialization.

Originality/value

Building on a cluster mapping, this study brings new insight on the effect of specialization and agglomeration on performance in emerging markets. In fact, the paper show how performance can be enhanced in less sophisticated and developed economies.
Authentic leadership, happiness at work and affective commitment
Authors: Semedo Ana Suzete , Coelho Arnaldo , Ribeiro Neuza
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between perceptions of authentic leadership (AL) and affective commitment (AC) both directly and indirectly through the mediating effect of happiness at work.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical research has analyzed the data from a questionnaire administered to a sample of 543 employees belonging to various public and private organizations in Cape Verde. Structural equation modeling was used to test the model.

Findings

It was found that the perceptions of AL explain employees’ happiness at work. Perceptions of AL also predict AC both directly and through the mediating effect of happiness at work.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that AL predicts happiness at work, which, in turn, explain employees` emotional bond to the organization. These results provide evidence that the quality of working environment created by leaders plays an important role in the extent to which employees develop a better emotional bond at work. So, the organizations, particularly in Cape Verde, should focus on training leaders with authentic characteristics.

Originality/value

In addition to verifying the direct relationship between AL and AC, this study introduced the mediating effect of the happiness, providing a model that depicts the chain effect between AL, AC and happiness, integrating these concepts in a single study.
Impairment effects of creative ads on brand recall for other ads
Authors: Jin Hyun Seung , Kerr Gayle , Suh Jaebeom
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The creativity-based facilitation effect, well documented by previous research, shows that creative advertisements (ads) are more memorable than regular (or less creative) ads, that is, creativity facilitates memory. This current research aims to extend our understanding by investigating the impact of creativity on regular ads and competitive advertising. It examines whether creative ads impair the memorability of regular ads to determine whether a “creativity-based impairment effect” exists.

Design/methodology/approach

Three experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 tested creativity-based impairment effects in brand recall. Experiment 2 replicated and validated the impairment effect in recall, using a different presentation order of ads. In Experiment 3, effects of creative ads on competing vs non-competing brands were examined.

Findings

Results found that creative ads impaired the brand recall of regular ads, creative ads impaired the recall of competing brands more than non-competing brands and creative ads were recalled earlier in top-of-mind recall positions.

Research limitations/implications

Future research may look at whether different memory measures (e.g. recognition), different proportions of creative ads, and ads of familiar vs unfamiliar brands produce differential impairment effects.

Practical implications

One suggestion from this research could be to not only copy-test your own brand’s advertising, but also test the advertising of other brands so that the target ad’s relative levels of creativity can be assessed before media buying. As a result of this testing, when the brand identifies any potential impairment effects, the identified creative ads could then be tracked in terms of media placement, providing a guide of where “not to schedule” advertising.

Originality/value

This research makes an important theoretical contribution as the first to explore impairment effects in the context of creative advertising. In doing so, it offers important managerial insights for regular and competitive advertising.
New technological attributes and willingness to pay: the role of social innovativeness
Authors: Sadik-Rozsnyai Orsolya , Bertrandias Laurent
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Integrating new technological attributes into existing products is a common way to innovate and is supposed to meet consumers’ functional needs. This paper aims to demonstrate how adding such attributes also increases willingness to pay (WTP) a premium for a product by activating consumers’ social need to feel unique.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through a quantitative survey based on a nationally representative sample (N= 345). A choice-based conjoint analysis was used to estimate the perceived value of the new technological attribute and WTP a premium.

Findings

The perceived value of the new technological attribute has a positive effect on WTP a premium only for consumers with a high degree of social innovativeness (linked to their need for uniqueness) because they interpret this innovation as an opportunity to differentiate themselves from others.

Practical implications

When companies innovate by introducing new technological attributes, their communication should emphasize and trigger these attributes’ high performance and uniqueness. Thus, consumers seeking social differentiation through innovation will be much less sensitive to price and will be more prone to pay a premium for these products.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this article is to show that integrating and emphasizing a new technological attribute can increase consumers’ WTP a premium beyond that of the attribute’s functional value. Thus, new technological attributes will decrease the price sensitivity of consumers high in social innovativeness and increase their WTP a premium for the product, because they consider it as a means to stand out from others.
Workspace management as a part of FM mission: a study of German FM education
Authors: Kolpakova Jana , May Michael W. , Maar Udo
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the nature of facility management (FM) and workspace management (WSM) and explores their interrelation with the aim of establishing whether WSM can be considered a part of the mission pursued by FM. Functional overlaps and gaps are identified and compared within the current system of FM education in Germany. Even though the research focussed on Germany, the findings may be extendable to other regions.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used were collected by means of a questionnaire, which was sent to the respondents, who complied with the eligibility requirements, namely, such individuals should have been office workers and work in Germany. The data collection was preceded by a literature review and followed by a quantitative analysis.

Findings

The literature analysis carried out demonstrates that the agenda of WSM can be considered as part of the FM mission. However, notwithstanding the overlap of the objectives of WSM and FM, it has also been identified a major discrepancy in that FM in Germany is predominantly concerned with the management of tangible and functional elements of a working environment and pays less attention to its non-tangible and psychological counterparts, whereas WSM, as a discipline, tends to cover both tangible and intangible elements of a workspace on a more equal footing. The element of employees’ “psychological comfort” (PsC) at work is capable of exerting the most profound influence on overall organisational productivity.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the work should not, without proper adjustments, be extrapolated to other geographical markets or industries, whose workspace characteristics may differ from those existing in Germany.

Practical implications

FM educational programmes may be adjusted to enable the facility managers to perform most or all activities within WSM.

Social implications

To impart facility managers with WSM competencies will contribute to employees’ psychological comfort and their productivity and, hence, will increase the acceptance and appreciation of the FM profession.

Originality/value

The paper introduces new thinking on the subject of WSM in the context of FM. It encourages FM educators to include WSM into their educational programmes or to add missing links to existing workplace management courses.
Elementary school teachers’ behavioral intentions for healthy nutrition
Authors: Ates Huseyin
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of elementary school teachers’ psychological factors on their behavioral intentions for healthy nutrition in their daily life within an extended version of the theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

The design of the study is correlation study.

Findings

Constructs in the proposal model formed accounted for of variance of intentions and behaviors successfully. Considering the entire proposed model, while personal norm is the most influential factor on intention, self-identity is the most consistent effects on teachers’ behavior. However, among the constructs of TPB, perceived behavioral control is the strongest influence on both intention and behavior.

Originality/value

In the literature, factors affecting healthy behaviors by using TPB focused on mainly children (8–10 year old) and adolescents (11–16 year old) all over the world. However, in some countries, several studies were conducted on adults (e.g. Astrøsm and Rise, 2001; Brouwer and Mosack, 2015), to the best of our knowledge, while there is no study conducted on adults including teachers in Turkey. In addition, recently, two meta-analysis studies were published: Rieblet al.(2015) and Mcdermottet al.(2015). These studies suggested that future studies related to healthy nutrition in the scope of TPB should be continued to investigate.
Risk perception and awareness of earthquake: the case of Dhaka
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Lutfur
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Among the many studies about risk perception, only a few deal with Bangladesh. Paul and Bhuiyan’s (2010) study has shown the earthquake-preparedness level of residents of Dhaka, but there are some biases in the data collection. This paper aims to examine the seismic-risk perception and the level of knowledge on earthquake and preparedness among the residents of Dhaka.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was developed, and data collection was undertaken through home and sidewalk surveys. This paper investigates how attitude, perception and behavior differ depending on gender, age, education and casualty awareness. This research tries to examine and make a comparison of the risk perception and preparedness level between different groups of gender, age and level of education.

Findings

This research shows that female respondents have a much better risk perception of and are better prepared for earthquakes than male respondents; younger people have a higher knowledge about earthquake preparedness than older people and less-educated people are at a higher risk of unpreparedness than more-educated people.

Research limitations/implications

This research is only limited to the Dhaka Division.

Originality/value

This paper concludes by noting that public awareness on seismic-risk perception and mitigation is poor, and their knowledge on basic theory and emergency response must be improved.
Electricity consumption and income nexus: evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Dey Sima Rani
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the causal relationship between per capita electricity consumption (PCEC) and per capita gross national income (GNI) (PCGNI) in Bangladesh for the period of 1971-2014.

Design/methodology/approach

Vector error correction modeling approach.

Findings

The study reveals that positive short-run unidirectional causal flow running between PCEC to PCGNI without feedback which implies that an increase in electricity consumption promptly affects economic activity. The results of both long-run and joint causality yield strong evidence of bidirectional causal relationship between PCEC and per capita real GNI with feedback.

Originality/value

Therefore, both electricity generation and conservation policy will be effective for Bangladesh economy. So, smooth supply of electricity is necessary to meet the growing electricity demand for consumption; consequently, it will lead to sustain of growth and take it even higher level.
A historical review and bibliometric analysis of disruptive innovation
Authors: Shang Tiantian , Miao Xiaoming , Abdul Waheed
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate visually the knowledge structure and evolution of disruptive innovation. The paper used CiteSpace III to analyze 1,570 disruptive innovation records from the Web of Science database between 1997 and 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, this paper offers a comprehensive overview of papers, countries, journals, scholars and application areas. Subsequently, a time zone view of high-frequency keywords is presented, emphasizing the course of evolution of the study hotspots. Finally, a visualization map of cited references and co-citation analysis are provided to detect the knowledge base at the forefront of disruptive innovation.

Findings

The findings are as follows: the number of papers shows exponential growth. The USA has the largest contribution and the strongest center. The Netherlands shows the largest burst, followed by Japan. Journal of Production Innovation Management and Research Policy is the most important journals. Hang CC has the largest number of articles. Walsh ST is identified as a high-yielding scholar. Christensen CM is the most authoritative scholar. Engineering electrical electronic is the most widely used research category, followed by management and business. The evolutionary course of the study hotspots is divided into five stages, namely, start, burst, aggregation, dispersion and not yet formed. Eight key streams in the literature are extracted to summarize the knowledge base at the forefront of disruptive innovation.

Originality/value

This paper explores the whole picture of disruptive innovation research and demonstrates a visual knowledge structure and the evolution of disruptive innovation. It provides an important reference for scholars to capture the current situation and influential trends in this field.
Resilience of medium-sized firms to supply chain disruptions: the role of internal social capital
Authors: Polyviou Mikaella , Croxton Keely L. , Knemeyer A. Michael
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore resources or capabilities that enable medium-sized firms to be resilient, namely, to avoid and recover from supply chain disruptions.

Design/methodology/approach

A case-study method is employed with four medium-sized manufacturing firms headquartered in the USA that have global supply chains. Data are collected from semi-structured interviews with key informants from diverse functions and managerial levels, archival documents, observation and a resilience assessment.

Findings

Internal social capital emerged as a resilience-enhancing resource, comprising: structural capital grounded in small network size, geographical proximity among decision makers and low hierarchy; relational capital grounded in close relationships, commitment and respect; and cognitive capital grounded in long employee tenure.

Originality/value

This is the first paper in the supply chain management literature to examine the resilience of medium-sized firms, an under-researched context. It is also the first paper to introduce internal social capital as a resilience-enhancing resource. Hence, this is among the few papers to propose a resilience-enhancing resource rooted not in a firm’s supply chain operations but its human resources. This paper, moreover, identifies several facets of internal social capital within medium-sized firms. Finally, the paper makes several managerial contributions.
Erosion wear performance of Ni-Cr-O and NiCrBSiFe-WC(Co) composite coatings deposited by HVOF technique
Authors: Singh Jashanpreet , Kumar Satish , Mohapatra S.K.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This study/paper aims to investigate the erosion wear performance of Ni-based coatings [Ni-Cr-O and NiCrBSiFe-WC(Co)] under sand-water slurry conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

A high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) process was used to deposit the Ni-based coatings [Ni-Cr-O and NiCrBSiFe-WC(Co)] on the surface of stainless steel (SS 316L) substrate. A Ducom TR-41 erosion tester was used to conduct the tribological experiments on bare/HVOF coated SS 316L. The erosion wear experiments were carried out for different time durations (1.30-3.00 h) at different impact angles (0-60°) by running the pot tester at different rotational speeds (600-1,500 rev/min). The solid concentration of sand slurry was taken in the range of 30-60 Wt.%. The surface roughness of Ni-based coated surfaces was also measured along the transverse length of the specimens.

Findings

Results show the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) values of Ni-Cr-O and NiCrBSiFe-WC coated SS-316L were 7.04 and 6.67 µm, respectively. The erosion wear SS-316L was almost 3.5 ± 1.5 times greater than that of the NiCrBSiFe-WC coatings. NiBCrSi-WC(Co) sprayed SS-316L showed lower erosion wear than Ni-Cr-O sprayed SS-316L. Microscopically, the eroded Ni-Cr-O coating underwent plowing, microcutting and craters. Ni-Cr-O coating have shown the ductile nature of erosion wear mechanism. NiBCrSi-WC(Co) surface underwent craters, plowing, carbide/boride pullout, fractures and intact. Erosion wear mechanisms on the eroded surface of NiBCrSi-WC(Co) were neither purely ductile nor brittle.

Practical implications

It is a useful technique to estimate the erosion wear of hydraulic machinery coated with Ni-based coatings imposed under mining conditions.

Originality/value

The erosion wear performance of HVOF-sprayed Ni-Cr-O and NiCrBSiFe-WC(Co) powders was investigated through extensive experimentation, and the results are well supported by scanning electron micrographs and 3D topology.
Comparing transformational and instrumental leadership
Authors: Chammas Cristiane Benedetti , Hernandez José Mauro da Costa
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of transformational and instrumental leadership on the individual performance of the employee and the financial performance in Brazilian startups.

Design/methodology/approach

The adopted methodological construction strategy was structural equation modeling, with the purpose of applying the model to primary data collected from a sample of leaders of Brazilian startups (n = 126).

Findings

Results suggest that when leadership types are analyzed separately, both directly influence employee performance.

Originality/value

This study has four main contributions: to test the influence of the two leadership styles on employee performance and thus to help advance the theoretical understanding of leadership; to perform this test in the context of Brazilian startups; to equip professionals with more information about the effects of crucial leadership types on individual type of employee performance; and to expand knowledge for recruitment and managerial training in initial-stage companies.
The contingent roles of perceived budget fairness, budget goal commitment and vertical information sharing in driving work performance
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen Phong , Evangelista Felicitas , Kieu Tai Anh
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Drawing on equity theory, social exchange theory and goal setting theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the contingencies on the link between employees’ budgetary participation and their work performance. Specifically, this study addresses the research questions: whether vertical information sharing and budget goal commitment mediate the relationship between employees’ budgetary participation and their work performance; and whether employees’ perceived budget fairness can strengthen the positive effects of budgetary participation on vertical information sharing and budget goal commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from a sample of 556 low to middle level managers of business organizations in Vietnam. The research model and its hypotheses were tested using PLS-SEM. The standardized root mean squared residual value of the composite model was employed to assess model fit. Common method bias was also checked using the marker-variable approach.

Findings

This study has two key findings: both vertical information sharing and budget goal commitment partially mediate the positive effects of budgetary participation on work performance; and both dimensions of perceived budget fairness (distributive and procedural) elevate the positive relationships of budgetary participation – vertical information sharing and budgetary participation – budget goal commitment.

Practical implications

The findings could benefit businesses in Vietnam and similar market contexts. Specifically, top management needs to select a proper level of budgetary participation that can facilitate information sharing vertically within the organization and motivate their employees to be more committed to achieve budget goals. Besides, the top management also needs to ensure that their employees perceive the fairness in the budgeting process.

Originality/value

The study contributes a greater understanding as regards the mediating roles of vertical information sharing and budget goal commitment as well as the moderating role of perceived budget fairness on the relationship between employees’ participation in the budgetary process and their work performance, especially in the context of an emerging market – Vietnam. Overall, this study contributes to the management and accounting literature with insights concerning a more complex process explaining employees’ work performance and triggered by their budgetary participation.
A surface electromyography controlled steering assistance interface
Authors: Nacpil Edric John Cruz , Zheng Rencheng , Kaizuka Tsutomu , Nakano Kimihiko
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Two-handed automobile steering at low vehicle speeds may lead to reduced steering ability at large steering wheel angles and shoulder injury at high steering wheel rates (SWRs). As a first step toward solving these problems, this study aims, firstly, to design a surface electromyography (sEMG) controlled steering assistance interface that enables hands-free steering wheel rotation and, secondly, to validate the effect of this rotation on path-following accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 24 drivers used biceps brachii sEMG signals to control the steering assistance interface at a maximized SWR in three driving simulator scenarios: U-turn, 90º turn and 45º turn. For comparison, the scenarios were repeated with a slower SWR and a game steering wheel in place of the steering assistance interface. The path-following accuracy of the steering assistance interface would be validated if it was at least comparable to that of the game steering wheel.

Findings

Overall, the steering assistance interface with a maximized SWR was comparable to a game steering wheel. For the U-turn, 90º turn and 45º turn, the sEMG-based human–machine interface (HMI) had median lateral errors of 0.55, 0.3 and 0.2 m, respectively, whereas the game steering wheel, respectively, had median lateral errors of 0.7, 0.4 and 0.3 m. The higher accuracy of the sEMG-based HMI was statistically significant in the case of the U-turn.

Originality/value

Although production automobiles do not use sEMG-based HMIs, and few studies have proposed sEMG controlled steering, the results of the current study warrant further development of a sEMG-based HMI for an actual automobile.
Effects of the biophilic atmosphere on intention to visit: the affective states’ mediating role
Authors: Ortegón-Cortázar Leonardo , Royo-Vela Marcelo
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze how a biophilic atmosphere inspired by nature influences customers’ affective states and intention to visit shopping centers, and to empirically test how affective states affect and mediate the relationship between the nature-based atmosphere and behavior or intention to visit.

Design/methodology/approach

Four hypotheses are examined empirically through a model of structural equations using control variables. A survey of 403 consumers distributed in 24 large shopping centers was used.

Findings

The findings indicate the influence of the biophilic atmosphere on affective states and the intention to visit. Also, it is shown that affective states mediate in this relationship and effect.

Practical implications

The research suggests that shopping centers are potentially places to take advantage of people’s natural predisposition. Thus, they can combine biophilic architecture and atmosphere with other more traditional factors of attraction to increase the likelihood of visiting. A biophilic atmosphere can improve the attraction capacity within a highly competitive environment, where design and management of space is a topic of special value.

Originality/value

By incorporating the perception of the biophilic atmosphere in consumer evaluations when visiting shopping centers, this research has shown its influence on visiting intentions through affective states. The research proposes an alternative model that can increase and stimulate the attraction of demand and loyalty, as well as strengthening new paths in the field of retail and services marketing.