bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Replication Rates for Uncultivated Bacteria in Microbial Communities
Authors: Brown Christopher T. , Olm Matthew R. , Thomas Brian C. , Banfield Jillian F.
Published: June 2016

Culture-independent microbiome studies have revolutionized our understanding of the complexity and metabolic potential of microbial communities, but information about in situ growth rates has been lacking. Here, we show that bacterial replication rates can be determined using genome-resolved metagenomics without requirement for complete genome sequences. In human infants, we detected elevated microbial replication rates following administration of antibiotics, and bacterial growth rate anomalies prior to the onset of necrotizing enterocolitis. We studied microorganisms in subsurface communities and determined that a diverse group of groundwater-associated bacteria typically exhibit slow growth rates, despite significant changes in geochemical conditions. All microbiome studies will be advanced by measurements of replication rates that can identify actively growing populations, track organism responses to changing conditions, and provide growth rate information needed for modeling.
Distinct Cellular States Determine Calcium Signaling Response
Authors: Yao Jason , Wollman Roy
Published: June 2016

The heterogeneity in mammalian cells signaling response is largely a result of preexisting cell-to-cell variability. It is unknown whether cell-to-cell variability rises from biochemical stochastic fluctuations or distinct cellular states. Here we utilize calcium response to ATP as a model for investigating the structure of heterogeneity within a population of cells and analyze whether distinct cellular response states co-exist. We use a functional definition of cellular state that is based on a mechanistic dynamical systems model of calcium signaling. Using Bayesian parameter inference we obtain high confidence parameter value distributions for several hundred cells, each fitted individually. Clustering the inferred parameter distributions revealed three major distinct cellular states within the population. The existence of distinct cellular states raises the possibility that the observed variability in response is a result of structured heterogeneity between cells. Our work shows how mechanistic models and single-cell parameter fitting can uncover hidden population structure and demonstrate the need for parameter inference at the single-cell level.
The genetic structure of the world’s first farmers
Authors: Lazaridis Iosif , Nadel Dani , Rollefson Gary , Merrett Deborah C. , Rohland Nadin , Mallick Swapan , Fernandes Daniel , Novak Mario , Gamarra Beatriz , Sirak Kendra , Connell Sarah , Stewardson Kristin , Harney Eadaoin , Fu Qiaomei , Gonzalez-Fortes Gloria , Alpaslan Roodenberg Songül , Lengyel György , Bocquentin Fanny , Gasparian Boris , Monge Janet M. , Gregg Michael , Eshed Vered , Mizrahi Ahuva-Sivan , Meiklejohn Christopher , Gerritsen Fokke , Bejenaru Luminita , Blueher Matthias , Campbell Archie , Cavalleri Gianpero , Comas David , Froguel Philippe , Gilbert Edmund , Kerr Shona M. , Kovacs Peter , Krause Johannes , McGettigan Darren , Merrigan Michael , Merriwether D. Andrew , O’Reilly Seamus , Richards Martin B. , Semino Ornella , Shamoon-Pour Michel , Stefanescu Gheorghe , Stumvoll Michael , Tönjes Anke , Torroni Antonio , Wilson James F. , Yengo Loic , Hovhannisyan Nelli A. , Patterson Nick , Pinhasi Ron , Reich David
Published: June 2016

We report genome-wide ancient DNA from 44 ancient Near Easterners ranging in time between ~12,000-1,400 BCE, from Natufian hunter-gatherers to Bronze Age farmers. We show that the earliest populations of the Near East derived around half their ancestry from a ‘Basal Eurasian’ lineage that had little if any Neanderthal admixture and that separated from other non-African lineages prior to their separation from each other. The first farmers of the southern Levant (Israel and Jordan) and Zagros Mountains (Iran) were strongly genetically differentiated, and each descended from local hunter-gatherers. By the time of the Bronze Age, these two populations and Anatolian-related farmers had mixed with each other and with the hunter-gatherers of Europe to drastically reduce genetic differentiation. The impact of the Near Eastern farmers extended beyond the Near East: farmers related to those of Anatolia spread westward into Europe; farmers related to those of the Levant spread southward into East Africa; farmers related to those from Iran spread northward into the Eurasian steppe; and people related to both the early farmers of Iran and to the pastoralists of the Eurasian steppe spread eastward into South Asia.
Reduced order modeling and analysis of the human complement system
Authors: Sagar Adithya , Dai Wei , Minot Mason , LeCover Rachel , Varner Jeffrey D.
Published: June 2016

Complement is an important pathway in innate immunity, inflammation, and many disease processes. However, despite its importance, there are few validated mathematical models of complement activation. In this study, we developed an ensemble of experimentally validated reduced order complement models. We combined ordinary differential equations with logical rules to produce a compact yet predictive model of complement activation. The model, which described the lectin and alternative pathways, was an order of magnitude smaller than comparable models in the literature. We estimated an ensemble of model parameters fromin vitrodynamic measurements of the C3a and C5a complement proteins. Subsequently, we validated the model on unseen C3a and C5a measurements not used for model training. Despite its small size, the model was surprisingly predictive. Global sensitivity and robustness analysis suggested complement was robust to any single therapeutic intervention. Only the simultaneous knockdown of both C3 and C5 consistently reduced C3a and C5a formation from all pathways. Taken together, we developed a validated mathematical model of complement activation that was computationally inexpensive, and could easily be incorporated into pre-existing or new pharmacokinetic models of immune system function. The model described experimental data, and predicted the need for multiple points of therapeutic intervention to fully disrupt complement activation.
Characterizing the epigenetic signatures of the human regulatory elements: A pilot study
Authors: Clement Sawyer L , Girgis Hani Z
Published: June 2016

Background

Chromatin modifications have provided promising clues on how cells that share the same copy of the genome can perform distinct functions. It is believed that enhancers and promoters are marked by a single chromatin mark each, H3K4me1 and H3K4me3, respectively. However, other studies have indicated that enhancers and promoters share multiple chromatin marks, including H3K4me1/2/3 and H3K27ac. Therefore, we asked whether the epigenetic signatures of these regulatory elements consist of a single mark or multiple marks. Repetitive regions, repeats, are usually ignored. However, we found, in public data, that repeats include about 25% of active enhancers. Thus, we asked how the epigenetic signatures of repetitive and non-repetitive enhancers differ. We studied the four marks in IRM90 (human lung fibroblast) and H1 (human embryonic stem cell).

Results

Our results show that enhancers and promoters are enriched significantly with the four marks, which form pyramidal signatures. However, the relative lengths of the marks are different. The promoter signature is directional; H3K4me2/3 and H3K27ac tend to be present downstream of the transcription start site; H3K4me1 tends to be present upstream. H1-specific enhancers have a similar signature to IRM90-specific enhancers; however, it is not the case for active promoters of the two cell types. Interestingly, inactive enhancers show a residual signature that resembles the signature of active enhancers. Finally, the epigenetic signature of enhancers found in repeats is identical to that of enhancers found in non-repetitive regions.

Conclusions

In this study, we characterized the epigenetic signatures of active and inactive enhancers (pyramidal) as well as active promoters (directional-pyramidal) in two cell types. These signatures consist of four chromatin marks that have been reported to be associated with enhancers and promoters. Interestingly, about one quarter of active enhancers are found in repeats. Active enhancers within repeats and those outside repeats have the same epigenetic signature. These results have great potential to change the way Molecular Biologists think of repeats, and to expand our understanding of gene regulation.
Mechanotransduction activates canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling to promote lymphatic vascular patterning and the development of lymphatic and lymphovenous valves
Authors: Cha Boksik , Geng Xin , Mahamud Md. Riaj , Fu Jianxin , Mukherjee Anish , Kim Yeunhee , Jho Eek-hoon , Kim Tae Hoon , Kahn Mark L. , Xia Lijun , Dixon J. Brandon , Chen Hong , Srinivasan R. Sathish
Published: June 2016

Lymphatic vasculature regulates fluid homeostasis by returning interstitial fluid to blood circulation. Lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) are the building blocks of the entire lymphatic vasculature. LECs originate as a homogeneous population of cells predominantly from the embryonic veins and undergo stepwise morphogenesis to become the lymphatic capillaries, collecting vessels or valves. The molecular mechanisms underlying the morphogenesis of the lymphatic vasculature remain to be fully understood. Here we show that canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling is necessary for lymphatic vascular morphogenesis. Lymphatic vascular-specific ablation of β-catenin in mice prevents the formation of lymphatic and lymphovenous valves. Additionally, lymphatic vessel patterning is defective in these mice, with abnormal recruitment of mural cells. We found that oscillatory shear stress (OSS), which promotes lymphatic vessel maturation, triggers Wnt/β-catenin signaling in LECs. In turn, Wnt/β-catenin signaling controls the expression of several molecules, including the lymphedema-associated transcription factor FOXC2. Importantly, FOXC2 completely rescues the lymphatic vessel patterning defects in mice lacking β-catenin. Thus, our work reveals that mechanical stimulation is a critical regulator of lymphatic vascular development via activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and, in turn, FOXC2.
High-throughput functional comparison of promoter and enhancer activities
Authors: Nguyen Thomas A. , Jones Richard D. , Snavely Andrew R. , Pfenning Andreas R. , Kirchner Rory , Hemberg Martin , Gray Jesse M.
Published: June 2016

Promoters initiate RNA synthesis, and enhancers stimulate promoter activity. Whether promoter and enhancer activities are encoded distinctly in DNA sequences is unknown. We measured the enhancer and promoter activities of thousands of DNA fragments transduced into mouse neurons. We focused on genomic loci bound by the neuronal activity-regulated coactivator CREBBP, and we measured enhancer and promoter activities both before and after neuronal activation. We find that the same sequences typically encode both enhancer and promoter activities. However, gene promoters generate more promoter activity than distal enhancers, despite generating similar enhancer activity. Surprisingly, the greater promoter activity of gene promoters is not due to conventional core promoter elements or splicing signals. Instead, we find that particular transcription factor binding motifs are intrinsically biased toward the generation of promoter activity, whereas others are not. Although the specific biases we observe may be dependent on experimental or cellular context, our results suggest that gene promoters are distinguished from distal enhancers by specific complements of transcriptional activators.
HiSPoD: a program for high-speed polychromatic X-ray diffraction experiments and data analysis on polycrystalline samples
Authors: Sun Tao , Fezzaa Kamel
Published: June 2016

A high-speed X-ray diffraction technique was recently developed at the 32-ID-B beamline of the Advanced Photon Source for studying highly dynamic, yet non-repeatable and irreversible, materials processes. In experiments, the microstructure evolution in a single material event is probed by recording a series of diffraction patterns with extremely short exposure time and high frame rate. Owing to the limited flux in a short pulse and the polychromatic nature of the incident X-rays, analysis of the diffraction data is challenging. Here,HiSPoD, a stand-alone Matlab-based software for analyzing the polychromatic X-ray diffraction data from polycrystalline samples, is described. WithHiSPoD, researchers are able to perform diffraction peak indexing, extraction of one-dimensional intensity profiles by integrating a two-dimensional diffraction pattern, and, more importantly, quantitative numerical simulations to obtain precise sample structure information.
Synchrotron X-ray CT characterization of titanium parts fabricated by additive manufacturing. Part I. Morphology
Authors: Scarlett Nicola Vivienne Yorke , Tyson Peter , Fraser Darren , Mayo Sheridan , Maksimenko Anton
Published: June 2016

Synchrotron X-ray tomography has been applied to the study of titanium parts fabricated by additive manufacturing (AM). The AM method employed here was the Arcam EBM®(electron beam melting) process which uses powdered titanium alloy, Ti64 (Ti alloy with approximately 6%Al and 4%V), as the feed and an electron beam for the sintering/welding. The experiment was conducted on the Imaging and Medical Beamline of the Australian Synchrotron. Samples were chosen to examine the effect of build direction and complexity of design on the surface morphology and final dimensions of the piece.
Crystal structure of 6-hydroxy-5-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-2,2′-bipyrimidin-4(3H)-one
Authors: Sagar Belakavadi K. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Jasinski Jerry P. , Glidewell Christopher
Published: June 2016

In the title compound, C15H12N4O4, the dihedral angle between the heterocyclic rings is 12.60 (8)°, and that between the benzene ring and the adjacent heterocyclic ring is 85.14 (6)°. In the crystal, a combination of N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds link molecules related by a glide plane into aC(5) C(6)[R22(9)] chain of rings, which is a distinctly different packing motif to those observed in hydrated modifications of this compound.
Crystal structure of racemic [(1R,2S,3R,4S,6S)-2,6-bis(furan-2-yl)-4-hydroxy-4-(thiophen-2-yl)cyclohexane-1,3-diyl]bis(thiophen-2-ylmethanone)
Authors: Çelik Ísmail , Ersanlı Cem Cüneyt , Akkurt Mehmet , Gezegen Hayrettin , Köseoğlu Rahmi
Published: June 2016

In the title compound, C28H22O5S3, the central cyclohexane ring adopts a chair conformation. The atoms of the furan ring attached to the 6-position of the central cyclohexane ring are disordered over two sets of sites with occupancies of 0.832 (5) and 0.168 (5). The hydroxy group is disordered over two positions (at the 4- and 6-positions of the cyclohexane ring) in the ratio 0.832 (5):0.168 (5). In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—H...π interactions, forming layers parallel to (100).
Crystal structures of (E)-N′-(2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzylidene)isonicotinohydrazide and (E)-N′-(5-fluoro-2-hydroxybenzylidene)isonicotinohydrazide
Authors: Chainok Kittipong , Makmuang Sureerat , Kielar Filip
Published: June 2016

Two derivatives of the well-known iron chelator, (E)-N′-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)isonicotinohydrazide (SIH), substituted in the 5-position of the 2-hydroxybenzene ring by a methyl and a fluorine groupviz.(E)-N′-(2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzylidene)isonicotinohydrazide, C14H13N3O2, (I), and (E)-N′-(5-fluoro-2-hydroxybenzylidene)isonicotinohydrazide, C13H10FN3O2, (II), have been prepared and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction,1H NMR and mass spectrometry. The molecules of both compounds deviate slightly from planarity [r.m.s. deviations are 0.145 and 0.110 Å for (I) and (II), respectively] and adopt anEconformation with respect to the double bond of the hydrazone bridge. In each molecule, there is an intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond forming anS(6) ring motif. The dihedral angles between the mean planes of the isonicotinoyl ring and the cresol ring in (I) or the fluorophenol ring in (II) are 10.49 (6) and 9.43 (6)°, respectively. In the crystals of both compounds, zigzag chains are formedviaN—H...N hydrogen bonds, in the [10-1] direction for (I) and [010] for (II). In (I), the chains are linked by weak C—H...π and π–π stacking interactions [centroid-to-centroid distances = 3.6783 (8) Å; inter-planar angle = 10.94 (5)°], leading to the formation of a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. In (II), adjacent chains are connected through C—H...O hydrogen bonds to form sheets parallel to (100), which encloseR44(30) ring motifs. The sheets are linked by weak C—H...π and π–π [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.7147 (8) Å; inter-planar angle = 10.94 (5)°] interactions, forming a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture.
Ethyl 2-[(5Z)-5-(4-methylbenzylidene)-2,4-dioxo-1,3-thiazolidin-3-yl]acetate
Authors: Khalid Karrouchi , Tachallait Hamza , Khalid Bougrin , Mague Joel T. , Ramli Youssef
Published: June 2016

In the title molecule, C15H15NO4S, the dihedral angle between the almost planar heterocyclic ring (r.m.s. deviation = 0.027 Å) and the benzene ring is 5.33 (8)°. The chain of the ester group adopts an extended conformation [C—O—C—C = −174.80 (14)°]. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds generateR22(10) loops and further such bonds connect the dimers into `stair-step' chains propagating in [100].
1-Allyl-5-chloroindoline-2,3-dione
Authors: Tribak Zineb , Kandri Rodi Youssef , Haoudi Amal , Essassi El Mokhtar , Capet Fréderic , Zouihri Hafid
Published: June 2016

In the title compound, C11H8ClNO2, the allyl side chain is almost perpendicular to the 5-chloroindoline-2,3-dione ring system, with a dihedral angle of 88.0 (3)°. In the crystal, C—H...O interactions link the molecules into layers lying parallel to thebcplane.
2-[(2Z)-2-Benzylidene-3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzothiazin-4-yl]acetic acid
Authors: Sebbar Nada Kheira , Ellouz Mohamed , Mague Joel T. , Ouzidan Younes , Essassi El Mokhtar , Zouihri Hafid
Published: June 2016

In the title compound, C17H13NO3S, the thiazine ring displays a screw-boat conformation. The dihedral angle between the terminal benzene ring and the mean plane of the 1,4-benzothiazine fused-ring system is 51.52 (6)°. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of O—H...Ot(t = thiazine) hydrogen bonds generateR22(14) loops. The dimers are linked by pairwise C—H...O hydrogen bonds, resulting in [010] chains.
Methyl 2-(benzoyloxy)benzoate
Authors: Kumar Shamantha , Chandra  , Dileep C. S. , Mahendra M. , Doreswamy B. H.
Published: June 2016

In the title compound, C15H12O4, the dihedral angle between the two aryl rings is 68.19 (9)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...π interactions forming chains along theb-axis direction. The chains are linked by offset π–π interactions [intercentroid distance = 3.6806 (14) Å], forming sheets lying parallel to (10-1).
2-(2-Amino-5-methyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-yl)acetohydrazide monohydrate
Authors: Lahmidi Sanae , Sebbar Nada Kheira , Boulhaoua Mohammed , Essassi El Mokhtar , Mague Joel T. , Zouihri Hafid
Published: June 2016

In the crystal structure of the title molecule, C8H11N7O·H2O, a network of O—H...O, O—H...N, N—H...O and N—H...N hydrogen bonds links the components, forming layers which include the lattice water molecules. The layers are held together by π–π stacking interactions.
5-Bromo-1-(6-bromohexyl)indoline-2,3-dione
Authors: Kharbach Yassine , Kandri Rodi Youssef , Haoudi Amal , Essassi El Mokhtar , Capet Frédéric , Zouihri Hafid
Published: June 2016

In the title compound, C14H15Br2NO2, the dihedral angle between the mean plane passing through the bromohexyl chain and the 5-bromoindoline ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.044Å) is 70.0 (3)°. In the crystal, molecules are connected by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, generating zigzag chains propagating along [010]. The packing is also influenced by inter-chain π–π interactions which form layers parallel to theabplane [centroid–centroid distances = 3.765 (2) Å].
1,1′-(Ethane-1,2-diyl)bis[3-(4-chlorobenzoyl)thiourea]
Authors: Abusaadiya Salima M. , Yamin Bohari M. , Ngatiman Fadzlee , Hasbullah Siti Aishah
Published: June 2016

The title compound, C18H16Cl2N4O2S2, consists of two benzoylthioureido groups connected by an ethylene group. The asymmetric unit consists of one half of the molecule which lies about an inversion center. Both thiourea moieties maintain theirtransgeometry. The structure is stabilized by intermolecular N—H...S hydrogen bonds that form chains along theb-axis direction.
1-((E)-{2-[4-(2-{(1E)-[(carbamothioylamino)imino]methyl}phenoxy)butoxy]benzylidene}amino)thiourea dimethyl sulfoxide disolvate
Authors: Mague Joel T. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Akkurt Mehmet , Abdel-Raheem Eman M. M. , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: June 2016

The title compound, C20H24N6O2S2·2C2H6OS, has crystallographically imposed centrosymmetry. The packing is assisted by N—H...O, C—H...O and N—H...S interactions with the lattice solvent molecules, forming a two-dimensional network parallel to (1-10). The lattice dimethyl sulfoxide molecules (except for the S atoms) were modelled over two sites with refined occupancies of 0.831 (3):0.169 (3).
5-Acetamido-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide monohydrate
Authors: El Ghayati Lhoussaine , Ramli Youssef , Essassi El Mokhtar , Taha Mohamed Labd , Mague Joel T.
Published: June 2016

There are two independent molecules of the title carboxamide compound, C6H8N4O2·H2O, as well as two independent water molecules in the asymmetric unit. The two independent carboxamide molecules differ primarily in the relative orientations of the peripheral methyl and amino groups. Intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds assist in determining the orientations of the acetamido substituents. The three-dimensional crystal packing is directed by a large network of O—H...O, N—H...O, C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds.
Geometrically nonlinear analysis of thick orthotropic plates with various geometries using simple HP-cloud method
Authors: Jafari Nasrin , Azhari Mojtaba
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a simple HP-cloud method as an accurate meshless method for the geometrically nonlinear analysis of thick orthotropic plates of general shape. This method is used to investigate the effects of thickness, geometry of various shapes, boundary conditions and material properties on the large deformation analysis of Mindlin plates.

Design/methodology/approach

– Nonlinear analysis of plates based on Mindlin theory is presented. The equations are derived by the Von-Karman assumption and total Lagrangian formulations. Newton-Raphson method is applied to achieve linear equations from nonlinear equations. Simple HP-cloud method is used for the construction of the shape functions based on Kronecker-δ properties, so the essential boundary conditions can be enforced directly. Shepard function is utilized for a partition of unity and complete polynomial is used as an enrichment function.

Findings

– The suitability and efficiency of the simple HP-cloud method for the geometrically nonlinear analysis of thin and moderately thick plates is studied for the first time. Large displacement analysis of various shapes of plates, rectangular, skew, trapezoidal, circular, hexagonal and triangular with different boundary conditions subjected to distributed loading are considered.

Originality/value

– This paper shows that the simple HP-cloud method is well suited for the large deformation analysis of Mindlin plates with various geometries, because it uses a set of a few arbitrary nodes placed in a plate of general shape. Moreover the convergence rate of the proposed method is high and the cost of solving equations is low.
My experience of laptop purchase
Authors: Mahapatra Sabita , Sharma Saumya
Published: June 2016

Subject area

Marketing/Consumer behaviour.

Study level/applicability

The case can be used for the postgraduate students and executives in a first-year Marketing Management class for an introductory session on understanding consumer decision in a business-to-consumer context. The case can be also used in a second-year elective course on Consumer Behaviour for the topic on consumer decision-making journey and managing customer experience through service excellence. This case would be most befitting to be used for the first introductory session of 75 minutes to give an overview on consumer behaviour.

Case overview

The dismal failure of Natasha’s desktop while preparing an important presentation due for submission compels Natasha (the protagonist) to make up her mind to buy a laptop. After consulting her friends and relatives, followed with intense search from different retail stores, Natasha finally decides to buy a Sony laptop from a multi-brand retail outlet with a price discount and freebies. Finally, when Natasha settled down to work on her new laptop on her pending presentation, she confronts some problem. Unable to identify the problem, she contacted the store sales representative to resolve the problem. However, the representative’s ineffectiveness in addressing the problem and promptly delivering the service leaves Natasha in a state of uncertainty and confusion. She seemed to be in a fix and undecided, wondering whether she should immediately rush to the repair centre with her desktop to fix the problem for the time being or she should leave the laptop and wait till the problem gets resolved.

Expected learning outcomes

The case aims to provide interesting inputs on various phases of consumer decision-making journey and appropriate marketing strategy for each phase. The objective is to make students appreciate how poor after-sales service results in post-purchase dissonance and conflict in the consumer's mind. The case provides an opportunity for students to come up with possible solutions to resolve the post-purchase dissonance and conflict and share their views or ideas of how a seller can create a lasting impression in the mind of the buyer.

Supplementary materials

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

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing
Strengthening community-level understanding of and responses to intimate partner violence using geographic information systems (GIS)
Authors: Murray Christine , Bunch Rick , Hunt Eleazer D.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Recently, there has been increased attention to community- and neighborhood-level influences on rates and experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV). The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of geographic information systems (GIS) to geographically analyze these influences in order to enhance community-level understanding of and responses to IPV.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors review existing literature supporting the needs for this level of analysis, and then they present eight steps for researchers and practitioners to use when applying GIS to analyze IPV.

Findings

– This is a conceptual paper.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper offers researchers and practitioners suggested strategies for using GIS analyses to examine community-level influences on IPV in future research.

Practical implications

– The practical implications of using GIS analyses are discussed, including ways that the findings of these analyses can be used to enhance community-level resources to prevent and respond to IPV.

Social implications

– This innovative, interdisciplinary approach offers new insights into understanding and addressing IPV at a community level.

Originality/value

– To date, there has been minimal research used to apply GIS analyses to the problem of IPV in communities. This paper presents a framework for future researchers and practitioners to apply this methodology to expand on community-level understanding of IPV.
Punishing violent students: accounting for self-defense
Authors: Fleischmann Amos
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the disciplinary measures that teachers apply to student participants in violent altercations and how protestations of self-defense and a violent record affect the measures taken.

Design/methodology/approach

– Israeli teachers (326) were shown fictional vignettes that recounted violent conflicts between students and were asked whether and how they would punish them. The vignettes portrayed students in three roles: aggressor, confirmed self-defender, and unproven self-defender.

Findings

– Confirmed self-defenders are much more leniently disciplined than unproven self-defenders and aggressors. Unproven self-defenders are disciplined almost as severely as aggressors. A violent record results in much more severe punishment of unproven self-defenders and aggressors but has only a slight upward effect on the disciplining of confirmed self-defenders.

Social implications

– The study reveals a difficulty in complying with a zero-tolerance approach to school violence because it collides with the right to self-defense. The intensity of discipline applied to self-defenders appears to depend on their ability to “dig up” witnesses to prove their case. Therefore, socially isolated self-defenders may be punished severely whereas social accepted ones would not.

Originality/value

– The results may enhance the understanding of arbitrators’ decisions in conflicts that defy attempts to determine “who started it.” They break new ground by describing the disciplinary measures taken against different role-players in fracases and are immensely important for understanding peacemaking measures in school and the “real world.”
Human-directed aggression by pet dogs: a preliminary study
Authors: Birch Philip , Kennedy Peta
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Human-directed aggression by pet dogs is of significant concern (Klausz et al., 2013), and while there is evidence to suggest that public awareness surrounding this social problem has occurred, the academic literature is limited (Martinez et al., 2011). The emerging research in this area has shown that the seriousness of a dog attack can lead to negative physiological, psychological and social consequences and in some circumstances, fatalities (De Munnynck and Van de Voorde, 2002). A small-scale preliminary study was conducted in New South Wales, Australia to enhance the knowledge of dog attacks towards humans, as well as contribute to the development of larger scale studies focusing on human-directed aggression by pet dogs. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Utilising a qualitative approach, this preliminary study examined the lived experience of victims who had been attacked by a dog. Eight semi-structured interviews with participants were conducted and a thematic approach was adopted as the analytical framework for data analysis.

Findings

– The findings offer a useful insight into the context, setting and effects of a pet dog attack on humans. This study contributes further evidence towards the need for larger scale studies in this area. The results offer evidence for further research into victims of dog attacks, as well as exploring the relationship between a dog owner and the aggression displayed by their dog.

Practical implications

– Evidence of the physical, emotional and psychological impact on victims of a dog attack is provided through this study and as such can be used to develop initiatives to support victims. The similarities between human-directed pet aggression and other forms of aggressive behaviour is highlighted, as such initiatives used to prevent and reduce other forms of aggressive behaviour could be applied to victims of dog attacks. This study also recognises that different breeds and size of dog are capable of human-directed aggression, therefore increasing knowledge and awareness of the potential risk to potential victims. Education programmes focusing on dog ownership are suggested in order to support owners in the care and treatment of their pets.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to a neglected area in the academic literature compared to other forms of aggression more heavily researched. Evidence for the development of prevention and reduction techniques for this type of aggressive behaviour emerges. Implications for further research are also revealed through this preliminary study.
Shariadisclosures
Authors: Che Azmi Anna , Ab Aziz Norazlin , Non Normawati , Muhamad Rusnah
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the reasons behind the low level ofSharia-related disclosures, particularlySharia-compliant companies, to gain an understanding on how these companies discloseSharia-related information in their annual reports, and how professional users of these reports search for such disclosures.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is an exploratory research based on structured interviews with individuals involved in the preparation of annual reports ofSharia-compliant companies and professional users of annual reports.

Findings

MostSharia-compliant companies and professional users interviewed agree that the most relevantSharia-related information is most commonly understood as the information found in the financial statement and its notes (accounting-related disclosures). Their responses indicate that there is a disjoint between the conventional disclosure practices on corporate social responsibility items and theSharia-related information.

Research limitations/implications

The idea of full disclosure needs to be further understood from the perspectives ofSharia. This study provides insights into the types ofSharia-related information that are important for disclosure. Future research should focus on examining a larger number of companies and interviewing more professional users from different jurisdictions to generate more knowledge about the nature ofShariainformation and its disclosure.

Practical implications

Users of theShariascreening methods, especially regulators, such as the Securities Commission Malaysia should encourage the disclosure of the required aspects ofShariain the annual reports ofSharia-compliant companies, as professional users are interested in this type of information.

Originality/value

This study offers insights into the reasons behind lowShariadisclosures in annual reports ofSharia-compliant companies.
Issues on the application of IFRS9 and fair value measurement for Islamic financial instruments
Authors: Shafii Zurina , Abdul Rahman Abdul Rahim
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine some issues in IFRS9 with regards to classification and measurement of Islamic financial assets. In addition, the paper discusses the Shariah concerns on the use of fair value to measure financial assets.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts qualitative method via the study of documents and textual analysis of Shariah opinions of scholars and relevant accounting standards.

Findings

The paper found that the classification and measurement of equity-based Islamic financial assets do not fit into the “default” classification category of amortised cost, as the future cash flow receivable does not constitute solely the payment of principal and interest (fixed rate payment). With regards to fair value measurement, Shariah concern arises during the adoption of fair value at Level 2 (reference of asset values from input other than quoted prices in active markets) and Level 3 (use of discounted cash flow method to arrive to asset valuation) because of the existence of in uncertainty or gharar as compared to Level 1 (fair value referred to quoted prices of similar assets).

Practical implications

Findings of the paper provide a starting point for a debate and extensive research on issues related to classification and measurement of Islamic financial assets and the use of fair value as a method of subsequent revaluation of Islamic financial assets. The Shariah analysis in the paper is useful for International Accounting Standard Board to engage with Islamic financial institutions and local accounting standard setters to reflect the unique nature of Shariah-compliant financial instruments. The paper serves as a basis to devise technical solutions to address accounting and reporting issues of Islamic financial instruments.

Originality/value

The paper offers Shariah analysis on the issue of classification, measurement and impairment model for Islamic financial assets. The paper is considered as the first paper that examines areas of possible tensions when applying IFRS9 to the accounting of Islamic financial assets. In addition, the paper has contributed to the literature in Islamic accounting and auditing.
A performance measurement system to quantify the contribution of social media: new requirements for metrics and methods
Authors: Agostino Deborah , Sidorova Yulia
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on measuring the contribution generated by social media when used for business purposes, distinguishing between metrics and methods for data collection and data analysis. Organizations worldwide have widely endorsed social media, but available studies on the contribution generated by these technologies for organizations are fragmented. A performance measurement system (PMS) framework to monitor social media is theoretically derived, highlighting the methods for data collection and data analysis and metrics to quantify social media impacts in terms of financials, network structure, interactions, conversations and users’ opinion.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative research based on a literature review of papers in management, information technology, marketing and public relations.

Findings

A PMS framework to quantify the contribution of social media is theoretically derived, distinguishing between metrics and methods. PMS metrics support the measurement of the financial and relational impact of social media, as well as the impact of social media conversations and users’ opinions. PMS methods comprise different approaches for data collection and data analysis that range from manual to automated data collection and from content to sentiment analysis techniques.

Originality/value

The PMS framework contributes to the academic literature by integrating a unique model of the available approaches for social media measurement that can serve as a basis for future research directions. The framework also supports practitioners that face necessity to quantify financial and relational contributions of social media as well as the contribution of social media conversation and users’ opinion.
Measuring Abu Dhabi’s liveability using the global liveable city index (GLCI)
Authors: Tan Khee Giap , Kaur Sujata
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to use a newly developed Global Liveable Cities Index (GLCI), to assess how Abu Dhabi ranks among global cities. The paper sheds some light on the strengths and weaknesses associated with the city’s emergence as a global city, as identified by the index.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper makes use of a new measure of liveability – the GLCI – to rank the world
'
s major cities. The GLCI advances the measurement of the “Liveability” construct by taking into account the multi-dimensional sensibility of diverse groups of ordinary persons across 64 cities. The paper also conducts policy simulations to help aid city planners invest in areas with low scores in the GLCI.

Findings

– The results from the analysis show Abu Dhabi as a city that has a lot more potential than what most conventional city benchmarking exercises have revealed. It is a city with immense potential in the region by not just being the driver of growth but also being a nodal center for attraction of global talent. It is fast growing into a city of opportunity and already satisfies the characteristics of an emerging global city with a lot of regional attention. The empirical results also find that its potential has been clearly under-rated by many existing studies and indices primarily because of their narrow scope in measuring liveability. The GLCI results brought together multiple indicators to devise an index that is strongly based on a combination of analytical and philosophical values. Taking stock of the rankings of Abu Dhabi using the GLCI so far as well as the policy simulations, one can conclude that Abu Dhabi has multiple strengths as an aspiring global city. The results also indicate that one area that has been consistently identified as lacking in Abu Dhabi is that of environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

– While cities have always played a historic role in powering economic growth in some form or the other, the scale of expansions and the speed at which it is happening today appears unprecedented. While a considerable number of indices benchmarking cities exist, they are rather narrow in scope. None of them model liveability from the perspective of an ordinary person with multi-dimensional sensibilities toward issues like economic well-being, social mobility, personal security, political governance, environmental sustainability and aesthetics for a more representative coverage of major cities around the world. These factors are critical measures of “liveability” of a city that in turn elevates it to the status of a global city. This paper thus makes an original contribution to the literature on understanding global cities by applying a newly developed GLCI to assess how Abu Dhabi ranks among global cities. The paper sheds some light on the strengths and weaknesses associated with the city’s emergence as a global city, as identified by the index.
Perception of healthy and unhealthy food among Chinese adolescents
Authors: Chan Kara , Tse Tommy , Tam Daisy , Huang Anqi
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore snacking behavior and perspectives on healthy and unhealthy food choices among adolescents in Mainland China.

Design/methodology/approach

Four focus-group interviews were conducted. Altogether 24 participants were recruited in Changsha, a second-tier city in China, through a convenience sampling process. They were asked to report their snacking behaviors, identify whether certain snacks are healthy or unhealthy and elaborate on factors affecting food choices.

Findings

Snacking was prevalent among the participants. The most frequently consumed snacks included fruit, milk and instant noodles. Participants’ evaluations for the healthiness of foods were based on the actual nutritional values of those foods, the effects on growth and body weight and word-of-mouth. Choice of snack was driven mainly by taste, image, convenience and health consciousness.

Research limitations/implications

The finding was based on a non-probability sample. The paper also did not explore the contexts where snacks were consumed.

Practical implications

Parents can make healthy snacks more accessible at home and at schools. Educators can teach adolescents how to read food labels. Schools can increase the availability of healthy snacks on campus. Social marketers can promote healthy snacks by associating them with fun and high taste.

Originality/value

This is the first paper on snacking behaviors among adolescents conducted in a second-tier city in China using focus-group methodology.
Expanded insecticide catabolic activity gained by a single nucleotide substitution in a bacterial carbamate hydrolase gene
Authors: Öztürk Başak , Ghequire Maarten , Nguyen Thi Phi Oanh , De Mot René , Wattiez Ruddy , Springael Dirk
Published: June 2016

Carbofuran‐mineralizing strain Novosphingobium sp. KN65.2 produces the CfdJ enzyme that converts the N‐methylcarbamate insecticide to carbofuran phenol. Purified CfdJ shows a remarkably low KM towards carbofuran. Together with the carbaryl hydrolase CehA of Rhizobium sp. strain AC100, CfdJ represents a new protein family with several uncharacterized bacterial members outside the proteobacteria. Although both enzymes differ by only four amino acids, CehA does not recognize carbofuran as a substrate whereas CfdJ also hydrolyzes carbaryl. None of the CfdJ amino acids that differ from CehA were shown to be silent regarding carbofuran hydrolytic activity but one particular amino acid substitution, i.e., L152 to F152, proved crucial. CfdJ is more efficient in degrading methylcarbamate pesticides with an aromatic side chain whereas CehA is more efficient in degrading the oxime carbamate nematicide oxamyl. The presence of common flanking sequences suggest that the cfdJ gene is located on a remnant of the mobile genetic element Tnceh carrying cehA. Our results suggest that these enzymes can be acquired through horizontal gene transfer and can evolve to degrade new carbamate substrates by limited amino acid substitutions. We demonstrate that a carbaryl hydrolase can gain the additional capacity to degrade carbofuran by a single nucleotide transversion.
Genomic characterization of symbiotic mycoplasmas from the stomach of deep‐sea isopod bathynomus sp
Authors: Wang Yong , Huang Jiao‐Mei , Wang Shao‐Lu , Gao Zhao‐Ming , Zhang Ai‐Qun , Danchin Antoine , He Li‐Sheng
Published: June 2016

Deep‐sea isopod scavengers such as Bathynomus sp. are able to live in nutrient‐poor environments, which is likely attributable to the presence of symbiotic microbes in their stomach. In this study we recovered two draft genomes of mycoplasmas, Bg1 and Bg2, from the metagenomes of the stomach contents and stomach sac of a Bathynomus sp. sample from the South China Sea (depth of 898 m). Phylogenetic trees revealed a considerable genetic distance to other mycoplasma species for Bg1 and Bg2. Compared with terrestrial symbiotic mycoplasmas, the Bg1 and Bg2 genomes were enriched with genes encoding phosphoenolpyruvate‐dependent phosphotransferase systems (PTSs) and sodium‐driven symporters responsible for the uptake of sugars, amino acids and other carbohydrates. The genome of mycoplasma Bg1 contained sialic acid lyase and transporter genes, potentially enabling the bacteria to attach to the stomach sac and obtain organic carbons from various cell walls. Both of the mycoplasma genomes contained multiple copies of genes related to proteolysis and oligosaccharide degradation, which may help the host survive in low‐nutrient conditions. The discovery of the different types of mycoplasma bacteria in the stomach of this deep‐sea isopod affords insights into symbiotic model of deep‐sea animals and genomic plasticity of mycoplasma bacteria.
Population genomics of the symbiotic plasmids of sympatric nitrogen‐fixing Rhizobium species associated with Phaseolus vulgaris
Authors: Pérez Carrascal Olga M. , VanInsberghe David , Juárez Soledad , Polz Martin F. , Vinuesa Pablo , González Víctor
Published: June 2016

Cultivated common beans are the primary protein source for millions of people around the world who subsist on low‐input agriculture, enabled by the symbiotic N2‐fixation these legumes perform in association with rhizobia. Within a single agricultural plot, multiple Rhizobium species can nodulate bean roots, but it is unclear how genetically isolated these species remain in sympatry. To better understand this issue, we sequenced and compared the genomes of 33 strains isolated from the rhizosphere and root nodules of a particular bean variety grown in the same agricultural plot. We found that the Rhizobium species we observed coexist with low genetic recombination across their core genomes. Accessory plasmids thought to be necessary for the saprophytic lifestyle in soil show similar levels of genetic isolation, but with higher rates of recombination than the chromosomes. However, the symbiotic plasmids are extremely similar, with high rates of recombination and do not appear to have co‐evolved with the chromosome or accessory plasmids. Therefore, while Rhizobium species are genetically isolated units within the microbial community, a common symbiotic plasmid allows all Rhizobium species to engage in symbiosis with the same host in a single agricultural plot.