bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis and Chlamydomonas phosphoribulokinase crystal structures complete the redox structural proteome of the Calvin-Benson cycle
Authors: Gurrieri Libero , Del Giudice Alessandra , Demitri Nicola , Falini Giuseppe , Pavel Nicolae Viorel , Zaffagnini Mirko , Polentarutti Maurizio , Crozet Pierre , Marchand Christophe H. , Henri Julien , Trost Paolo , Lemaire Stéphane D. , Sparla Francesca , Fermani Simona
Published: September 2018

In land plants and algae, the Calvin-Benson (CB) cycle takes place in the chloroplast, a specialized organelle in which photosynthesis occurs. Thioredoxins (TRXs) are small ubiquitous proteins, known to harmonize the two stages of photosynthesis through a thiol-based mechanism. Among the 11 enzymes of the CB cycle, the TRX target phosphoribulokinase (PRK) has yet to be characterized at the atomic scale. To accomplish this goal, we determined the crystal structures of PRK from two model species: the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CrPRK) and the land plant Arabidopsis thaliana (AtPRK). PRK is an elongated homodimer characterized by a large central β-sheet of 18 strands, extending between two catalytic sites positioned at its edges. The electrostatic surface potential of the catalytic cavity has both a positive region suitable for binding the phosphate groups of substrates and an exposed negative region to attract positively charged TRX-f. In the catalytic cavity, the regulatory cysteines are 13 Å apart and connected by a flexible region exclusive to photosynthetic eukaryotes—the clamp loop—which is believed to be essential for oxidation-induced structural rearrangements. Structural comparisons with prokaryotic and evolutionarily older PRKs revealed that both AtPRK and CrPRK have a strongly reduced dimer interface and increased number of random coiled regions, suggesting that a general loss in structural rigidity correlates with gains in TRX sensitivity during the molecular evolution of PRKs in eukaryotes.

Significance Statement

In chloroplasts, five enzymes of the Calvin-Benson (CB) cycle are regulated by thioredoxins (TRXs). These enzymes have all been structurally characterized with the notable exception of phosphoribulokinase (PRK). Here, we determined the crystal structure of chloroplast PRK from two model photosynthetic organisms. Regulatory cysteines appear distant from each other and are linked by a long loop that is present only in plant-type PRKs and allows disulfide bond formation and subsequent conformational rearrangements. Structural comparisons with ancient PRKs indicate that the presence of flexible regions close to regulatory cysteines is a unique feature that is shared by TRX-dependent CB cycle enzymes, suggesting that the evolution of the PRK structure has resulted in a global increase in protein flexibility for photosynthetic eukaryotes.
Reduced prediction error responses in high- as compared to low-uncertainty musical contexts
Authors: Quiroga-Martinez D.R. , Hansen N.C. , Højlund A. , Pearce M. , Brattico E. , Vuust P.
Published: September 2018

Theories of predictive processing propose that prediction error responses are modulated by the certainty of the predictive model or precision. While there is some evidence for this phenomenon in the visual and, to a lesser extent, the auditory modality, little is known about whether it operates in the complex auditory contexts of daily life. Here, we examined how prediction error responses behave in a more complex and ecologically valid auditory context than those typically studied. We created musical tone sequences with different degrees of pitch uncertainty to manipulate the precision of participants’ auditory expectations. Magnetoencephalography was used to measure the magnetic counterpart of the mismatch negativity (MMNm) as a neural marker of prediction error in a multi-feature paradigm. Pitch, slide, intensity and timbre deviants were included. We compared high-entropy stimuli, consisting of a set of non-repetitive melodies, with low-entropy stimuli consisting of a simple, repetitive pitch pattern. Pitch entropy was quantitatively assessed with an information-theoretic model of auditory expectation. We found a reduction in pitch and slide MMNm amplitudes in the high-entropy as compared to the low-entropy context. No significant differences were found for intensity and timbre MMNm amplitudes. Furthermore, in a separate behavioral experiment investigating the detection of pitch deviants, similar decreases were found for accuracy measures in response to more fine-grained increases in pitch entropy. Our results are consistent with a precision modulation of auditory prediction error in a musical context, and suggest that this effect is specific to features that depend on the manipulated dimension—pitch information, in this case.

Highlights

The mismatch negativity (MMNm) is reduced in musical contexts with high pitch uncertainty

The MMNm reduction is restricted to pitch-related features

Accuracy during deviance detection is reduced in contexts with higher uncertainty

The results suggest a feature-selective precision modulation of prediction error

Materials, data and scripts can be found in the Open Science Framework repository: http://bit.ly/music_entropy_MMN

DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/MY6TE
A phylogenetic framework of the legume genusAeschynomenefor comparative genetic analysis of the Nod-dependent and Nod-independent symbioses
Authors: Brottier Laurent , Chaintreuil Clémence , Simion Paul , Scornavacca Céline , Rivallan Ronan , Mournet Pierre , Moulin Lionel , Lewis Gwilym P. , Fardoux Joël , Brown Spencer C. , Gomez-Pacheco Mario , Bourges Mickaël , Hervouet Catherine , Gueye Mathieu , Duponnois Robin , Ramanankierana Heriniaina , Randriambanona Herizo , Vandrot Hervé , Zabaleta Maria , DasGupta Maitrayee , D’Hont Angélique , Giraud Eric , Arrighi Jean-François
Published: September 2018

SomeAeschynomenelegume species have the property of being nodulated by photosyntheticBradyrhizobiumlacking thenodABCgenes. Knowledge of this unique Nod (factor)-independent symbiosis has been gained from the modelA. eveniabut our understanding remains limited due to the lack of comparative genetics with related taxa using a Nod-dependent process.

To fill this gap, this study significantly broadened previous taxon sampling, including in allied genera, to construct a comprehensive phylogeny. This backbone tree was matched with data on chromosome number, genome size, low-copy nuclear genes and strengthened by nodulation tests and a comparison of the diploid species.

The phylogeny delineated five main lineages that all contained diploid species while polyploid groups were clustered in a polytomy and were found to originate from a single paleo-allopolyploid event. In addition, new nodulation behaviours were revealed and Nod-dependent diploid species were shown to be tractable.

The extended knowledge of the genetics and biology of the different lineages in the legume genusAeschynomeneprovides a solid research framework. Notably, it enabled the identification ofA. americanaandA. patulaas the most suitable species to undertake a comparative genetic study of the Nod-independent and Nod-dependent symbioses.
One drug multiple targets: An approach to predict drug efficacies on bacterial strains differing in membrane composition
Authors: Majumder Ayan , Biswal Malay Ranjan , Prakash Meher K.
Published: September 2018

Rational design methodologies such as quantitative structure activity relationships (QSAR) have conventionally focused on screening through several drugs for their activity against a single target, either a bacterial protein or membrane. Recent concerns in drug design such as the development of drug resistance by membrane adaptation, or the undesirable damage to gut microbiota require a paradigm shift in activity prediction. A complementary approach capable of predicting the activity of a single drug against diverse targets, the diversity arising from bacterial adaptation or a heterogeneous composition with other helpful or harmful bacteria, is needed. As a first predictive step towards this goal, we develop a quantitative model for the activity of daptomycin onStreptococcus aureusstrains with different membrane compositions, mainly varying in lysylation. The results of the predictions are good, and within the limits of the scarcely available data, hint at an interaction of daptomycin with the inner membrane. The complementary approach may in principle be extended to estimate the activity against gut bacterial membranes, when systematic data can be curated for training the model.
System-wide identification and prioritization of enzyme substrates by thermal analysis (SIESTA)
Authors: Saei Amir Ata , Beusch Christian M. , Sabatier Pierre , Wells Juan Astorga , Chernobrovkin Alexey , Rodin Sergey , Näreoja Katja , Thorsell Ann-Gerd , Karlberg Tobias , Cheng Qing , Lundström Susanna L. , Gaetani Massimiliano , Végvári Ákos , Arnér Elias S.J. , Schüler Herwig , Zubarev Roman A.
Published: September 2018

Despite the immense importance of enzyme-substrate reactions, there is a lack of generic and unbiased tools for identifying and prioritizing substrate proteins which are modulated in the structural and functional levels through modification. Here we describe a high-throughput unbiased proteomic method called System-wide Identification and prioritization of Enzyme Substrates by Thermal Analysis (SIESTA). The approach assumes that enzymatic post-translational modification of substrate proteins might change their thermal stability. SIESTA successfully identifies several known and novel substrate candidates for selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase 1, protein kinase B (AKT1) and poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase-10 systems in up to a depth of 7179 proteins. Wider application of SIESTA can enhance our understanding of the role of enzymes in homeostasis and disease, open new opportunities in investigating the effect of PTMs on signal transduction, and facilitate drug discovery.
Bundle-specific fornix reconstruction for dual-tracer PET-tractometry
Authors: Rheault Francois , Roy Maggie , Cunnane Stephen , Descoteaux Maxime
Published: September 2018

Tractography is known to have problems reconstructing white matter bundles that are narrow, have high curvature, or go through partial volume voxels contaminated by CSF or gray matter. One such bundle is the fornix, the major output tract of the hippocampus, which is especially problematic with aging. Hippocampal atrophy and ventricular expansion make the fornix even harder (often impossible) to track with current state-of-the-art techniques. In this work, a bundle-specific tractography algorithm is proposed to fully reconstruct the fornix. By injecting shape, position, and orientation priors, fornix reconstruction is markedly is improved. We report an increase in spatial coverage and better reproducibility across test-retest. These improvements over classical tractography algorithms also enable tractometry of the fornix to be combined with dual-tracer positron emission tomography (PET) data in participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI participants underwent a multi-modal brain imaging before and after a 6-month daily ketogenic supplement. We report, for the first time, significant diffusion measures and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake differences in specific sub-sections of the fornix after the ketogenic supplement.
Combating viral contaminants in CHO cells by engineering STAT1 mediated innate immunity
Authors: Chiang Austin W.T. , Li Shangzhong , Kellman Benjamin P. , Chattopadhyay Gouri , Zhang Yaqin , Kuo Chih-Chung , Gutierrez Jahir M. , Ghazi Faeazeh , Schmeisser Hana , Ménard Patrice , Bjørn Sara Petersen , Voldborg Bjørn G. , Rosenberg Amy S. , Puig Montserrat , Lewis Nathan E.
Published: September 2018

Viral contamination in biopharmaceutical manufacturing can lead to shortages in the supply of critical therapeutics. To facilitate the protection of bioprocesses, we explored the basis for the susceptibility of CHO cells, the most commonly used cell line in biomanufacturing, to RNA virus infection. Upon infection with certain ssRNA and dsRNA viruses, CHO cells fail to generate a significant interferon (IFN) response. Nonetheless, the downstream machinery for generating IFN responses and its antiviral activity is intact in these cells: treatment of cells with exogenously-added type I IFN or poly I:C prior to infection limited the cytopathic effect from Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), and Reovirus-3 virus (Reo-3) in a STAT1-dependent manner. To harness the intrinsic antiviral mechanism, we used RNA-Seq to identify two upstream repressors of STAT1: Gfi1 and Trim24. By knocking out these genes, the engineered CHO cells exhibited increased resistance to the prototype RNA viruses tested. Thus, omics-guided engineering of mammalian cell culture can be deployed to increase safety in biotherapeutic protein production among many other biomedical applications.
Inhibition of nucleotide synthesis promotes replicative senescence of human mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Delfarah Alireza , Parrish Sydney , Junge Jason A. , Yang Jesse , Seo Frances , Li Si , Mac John , Wang Pin , Fraser Scott E. , Graham Nicholas A.
Published: September 2018

Cellular senescence is a mechanism by which cells permanently withdraw from the cell cycle in response to stresses including telomere shortening, DNA damage, or oncogenic signaling. Senescent cells contribute to both age-related degeneration and hyperplastic pathologies, including cancer. In culture, normal human epithelial cells enter senescence after a limited number of cell divisions, known as replicative senescence. Here, to investigate how metabolic pathways regulate replicative senescence, we used LC-MS–based metabolomics to analyze senescent primary human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs). We did not observe significant changes in glucose uptake or lactate secretion in senescent HMECs. However, analysis of intracellular metabolite pool sizes indicated that senescent cells exhibit depletion of metabolites from nucleotide synthesis pathways. Furthermore, stable isotope tracing with13C-labeled glucose or glutamine revealed a dramatic blockage of flux of these two metabolites into nucleotide synthesis pathways in senescent HMECs. To test whether cellular immortalization would reverse these observations, we expressed telomerase in HMECs. In addition to preventing senescence, telomerase expression maintained metabolic flux from glucose into nucleotide synthesis pathways. Finally, we investigated whether inhibition of nucleotide synthesis in proliferating HMECs is sufficient to induce senescence. In proliferating HMECs, both pharmacological and genetic inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 (RRM2), a rate-limiting enzyme in dNTP synthesis, induced premature senescence with concomitantly decreased metabolic flux from glucose into nucleotide synthesis. Taken together, our results suggest that nucleotide synthesis inhibition plays a causative role in the establishment of replicative senescence in HMECs.
Characterizing changes in glucocorticoid receptor internalization in the fear circuit in an animal model of post traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Moulton Emly , Chamness Marisa , Knox Dayan
Published: September 2018

Glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) shuttle from the cytoplasm (cy) to the nucleus (nu) when bound with glucocorticoids (i.e. GR internalization) and alter transcriptional activity. GR activation within the fear circuit has been implicated in fear memory and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, no study to date has characterized GR internalization within the fear circuit during fear memory formation or examined how traumatic stress impacts this process. To address this, we assayed cy and nu GR levels at baseline and after auditory fear conditioning (FC) in the single prolonged stress (SPS) model of PTSD. Cy and nu GRs within the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), dorsal hippocampus (dHipp), ventral hippocampus (vHipp), and amygdala (AMY) were assayed using western blot. The distribution of GR in the cy and nu (at baseline and after FC) was varied across individual nodes of the fear circuit. At baseline, SPS enhanced cyGRs in the dHipp, but decreased cyGRs in the AMY. FC only enhanced GR internalization in the AMY and this effect was attenuated by SPS exposure. SPS also decreased cyGRs in the dHipp after FC. The results of this study suggests that GR internalization is varied across the fear circuit, which in turn suggests GR activation is selectively regulated within individual nodes of the fear circuit. The findings also suggest that changes in GR dynamics in the dHipp and AMY modulate the enhancing effect SPS has on fear memory persistence.
Microstimulation in a spiking neural network model of the midbrain superior colliculus
Authors: Kasap Bahadir , van Opstal A. John
Published: September 2018

The midbrain superior colliculus (SC) generates a rapid saccadic eye movement to a sensory stimulus by recruiting a population of cells in its topographically organized motor map. Supra-threshold electrical microstimulation in the SC reveals that the site of stimulation produces a normometric saccade vector with little effect of the stimulation parameters. Moreover, electrically evoked saccades (E-saccades) have kinematic properties that strongly resemble natural, visual-evoked saccades (V-saccades). These findings support models in which the saccade vector is determined by a center-of-gravity computation of activated neurons, while its trajectory and kinematics arise from downstream feedback circuits in the brainstem. Recent single-unit recordings, however, have indicated that the SC population also specifies instantaneous kinematics. These results support an alternative model, in which the desired saccade trajectory, including its kinematics, follows from instantaneous summation of movement effects of all SC spike trains. But how to reconcile this model with microstimulation results? Although it is thought that microstimulation activates a large population of SC neurons, the mechanism through which it arises is unknown. We developed a spiking neural network model of the SC, in which microstimulation directly activates a relatively small set of neurons around the electrode tip, which subsequently sets up a large population response through lateral synaptic interactions. We show that through this mechanism the population drives an E-saccade with near-normal kinematics that are largely independent of the stimulation parameters. Only at very low stimulus intensities the network recruits a population with low firing rates, resulting in abnormally slow saccades.

Author Summary

The midbrain Superior Colliculus (SC) contains a topographically organized map for rapid goal-directed gaze shifts, in which the location of the active population determines size and direction of the eye-movement vector, and the neural firing rates specify the eye-movement kinematics. Electrical microstimulation in this map produces eye movements that correspond to the site of stimulation with normal kinematics. We here explain how intrinsic lateral interactions within the SC network of spiking neurons sets up the population activity profile in response to local microstimulation to explain these results.
A collective modulatory basis for multisensory integration in C. elegans
Authors: Harris Gareth , Wu Taihong , Linfield Gaia , Choi Myung-Kyu , Liu He , Zhang Yun
Published: September 2018

In the natural environment, animals often encounter multiple sensory cues that are simultaneously present. The nervous system integrates the relevant sensory information to generate behavioral responses that have adaptive values. However, the signal transduction pathways and the molecules that regulate integrated behavioral response to multiple sensory cues are not well defined. Here, we characterize a collective modulatory basis for a behavioral decision in C. elegans when the animal is presented with an attractive food source together with a repulsive odorant. We show that distributed neuronal components in the worm nervous system and several neuromodulators orchestrate the decision-making process, suggesting that various states and contexts may modulate the multisensory integration. Among these modulators, we identify a new function of a conserved TGF-β pathway that regulates the integrated decision by inhibiting the signaling from a set of central neurons. Interestingly, we find that a common set of modulators, including the TGF-β pathway, regulate the integrated response to the pairing of different foods and repellents. Together, our results provide insights into the modulatory signals regulating multisensory integration and reveal potential mechanistic basis for the complex pathology underlying defects in multisensory processing shared by common neurological diseases.

Author Summary

The present study characterizes the modulation of a behavioral decision in C. elegans when the worm is presented with a food lawn that is paired with a repulsive smell. We show that multiple sensory neurons and interneurons play roles in making the decision. We also identify several modulatory molecules that are essential for the integrated decision when the animal faces a choice between the cues of opposing valence. We further show that many of these factors, which often represent different states and contexts, are common for behavioral decisions that integrate sensory information from different types of foods and repellents. Overall, our results reveal a collective molecular and cellular basis for integration of simultaneously present attractive and repulsive cues to fine-tune decision-making.
Redox manipulation of the manganese metal in human manganese superoxide dismutase for neutron diffraction
Authors: Azadmanesh Jahaun , Lutz William E. , Weiss Kevin L. , Coates Leighton , Borgstahl Gloria E. O.
Published: September 2018

Human manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is one of the most significant enzymes in preventing mitochondrial dysfunction and related diseases by combating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mitochondrial matrix. Mitochondria are the source of up to 90% of cellular ROS generation, and MnSOD performs its necessary bioprotective role by converting superoxide into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. This vital catalytic function is conductedviacyclic redox reactions between the substrate and the active-site manganese using proton-coupled electron transfers. Owing to protons being difficult to detect experimentally, the series of proton transfers that compose the catalytic mechanism of MnSOD are unknown. Here, methods are described to discern the proton-based mechanism using chemical treatments to control the redox state of large perdeuterated MnSOD crystals and subsequent neutron diffraction. These methods could be applicable to other crystal systems in which proton information on the molecule in question in specific chemical states is desired.
Crystal structure of (E)-2-[3-(tert-butyl)-2-hydroxybenzylidene]-N-cyclohexylhydrazine-1-carbothioamide
Authors: Arafath Md. Azharul , Kwong Huey Chong , Adam Farook , Razali Mohd. R.
Published: September 2018

In the title compound, C18H27N3OS, the cyclohexane ring has a chair conformation. The azomethine C=N double bond has an E configuration. The nearly planar hydrazinecarbothioamide moiety and substituted benzene ring are twisted by 31.13 (5)° relative to each other. The amide moiety and the cyclohexane ring are almost perpendicular to each other; a similar conformation was previously observed in reported structures. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...S hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with an R
2
2(8) ring motif.
Peer networks in the school-to-work transition
Authors: Ruschoff Britta , Salmela-Aro Katariina , Kowalewski Thomas , Dijkstra Jan Kornelis , Veenstra René
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether young people’s peer networks can be an asset in finding employment during the transition from school to work. It examines whether peer networks size and peers’ self-efficacy regarding their own job search are associated with job seekers’ career-relevant behaviors and outcomes, i.e., the number of applications completed and the number of job offers received.

Design/methodology/approach

Associations between job seekers’ peer networks and their job search behaviors and outcomes were investigated during their final year of vocational training. Sociometric measures were used to assess young people’s peer network size. Sociometric and self-report measures were used to establish the characteristics of the peers that comprise each job seekers’ network, resulting in the overall self-efficacy across each job seekers’ network.

Findings

The results show that peers’ efficacy beliefs are positively associated with young people’s engagement in job search activities (i.e. a greater number of applications completed) and indirectly associated with their job search outcomes (i.e. a greater number of job offers, which are mediated by the number of applications) that are independent of the peer network size.

Originality/value

The results underline that although peers might not provide instrumental support, encouraging interactions with (efficacious) peers may nonetheless be beneficial to young job seekers. Methodologically, the results demonstrate that the operationalization of self-efficacy as a network characteristic might provide us with valuable insights into the characteristics that turn social networks into beneficial social resources.
How psychologically entitled shoppers respond to service recovery apologies
Authors: Martin Brett , Strong Carolyn , O’Connor Peter
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how a shopper’s level of psychological entitlement influences how consumers respond to different types of apology by a service provider.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experiments were performed. Study 1 tests the hypotheses that entitled shoppers prefer empathy apologies to norm violation apologies and that this effect is mediated by disgust and anger. Study 2 tests whether relative superiority apologies are more effective.

Findings

Study 1 shows that entitled shoppers prefer empathy apologies. Mediation analysis shows that entitled people feel disgust for norm violation apologies. Study 2 shows that entitled shoppers prefer relative superiority apologies. A standard apology results in negative perceptions of interactional justice, disgust and negative employee evaluations.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include the scenario method. Implications include entitlement as a moderator of service recovery effectiveness, examining different types of apology and mediators which contribute to the marketing and entitlement literature.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for training employees in service recovery. Employees should not use a standard apology or an apology that treats entitled consumers as similar to other shoppers. Employees should express empathy or make them feel that they are a more valued customer than other store customers.

Originality/value

This research shows how entitlement moderates consumer responses to service recovery. The research answers calls to study different types of apology rather than studying a standard apology (vs no apology). The research is the first to relate entitlement to apologies and to show how disgust and justice perceptions underlie an entitled person’s judgments in service recovery.
The influence of acceptance and adoption drivers on smart home usage
Authors: Hubert Marco , Blut Markus , Brock Christian , Zhang Ruby Wenjiao , Koch Vincent , Riedl René
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This study aims to develop a comprehensive adoption model that combines constructs from various theories and tests these theories against each other. The study combines a technology acceptance model, innovation diffusion theory and risk theory. It develops this model in a smart home applications context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on an online survey consisting of 409 participants, and the data are analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Each theory provides unique insights into technology acceptance and numerous constructs are interrelated. Predictors from innovation diffusion and risk theory often display indirect effects through technology acceptance variables. The study identifies risk perception as a major inhibitor of use intention, mediated through perceived usefulness. Results reveal that the most important determinants of use intention are compatibility and usefulness of the application.

Research limitations/implications

Studies which do not examine different theories together may not be able to detect the indirect effects of some predictors and could falsely conclude that these predictors do no matter. The findings emphasize the crucial role of compatibility, perceived usefulness and various risk facets associated with smart homes.

Originality/value

This study broadens the understanding about the necessity of combining acceptance and adoption drivers from several theories to better understand the usage of complex technological systems such as smart home applications.
Career equality
Authors: Traavik Laura E.M.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate inclusion, perceived opportunities and discrimination between men and women, across career levels, in a professional service firm in Norway.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional design with a survey was used. Employees across six different career levels in a large Norwegian professional service firm responded, resulting in a sample size of 912.

Findings

Men report higher levels of inclusion and more opportunities and less discrimination in the work place than women do. Patterns of differences between men and women vary across career levels. At early mid-career, men and women have the largest differences in opportunities and inclusion experiences.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation with this study is the cross-sectional design and data collected from one company. This could limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research should include longitudinal designs. The empirical data demonstrate that men and women continue to have dissimilar experiences in the professional services, with women facing more career obstacles than men.

Practical implications

Organizations can implement policies that foster inclusive environments and ensure career equality by providing development opportunities for both men and women. It is important that professional service firms recognize that at different career levels, perceptions of inclusiveness can vary.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence that women continue to face different types of treatment in professional service firms, and offers suggestions for addressing these inequalities by introducing the concept of inclusiveness.
Differentiating the effects of entrepreneurs’ intelligence and educational attainment on venture outcomes
Authors: Blume Brian D.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Intelligence or general mental ability (GMA) is a strong predictor of job performance across most occupations, and educational attainment has been shown to be a predictor of entrepreneurial outcomes. However, there has been little research examining the simultaneous effects of entrepreneurs’ GMA and educational attainment on their venture outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of these human capital resources on venture performance and survival.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 234 self-employed entrepreneurs from a longitudinal database, regression analysis was employed to examine the predictors of venture performance. A hazard model was utilized to assess venture survival.

Findings

Entrepreneurs’ intelligence influenced venture performance directly and indirectly via educational attainment. Entrepreneurs with higher GMA were subsequently able to obtain more education, and GMA had an indirect, positive influence on venture performance through this additional educational attainment. Findings also demonstrated an inverted-U, curvilinear effect on venture survival for GMA and educational attainment. This indicates that both intelligence and educational attainment should be considered when examining how likely entrepreneurs are to persist or survive in their ventures.

Originality/value

Entrepreneurs with higher GMA had ventures that performed better and obtained more education, which influenced venture survival. These findings suggest that entrepreneurs’ intelligence is likely to be an important predictor of venture outcomes, as well as a source of entrepreneurs’ human capital acquisition. Therefore, GMA should have a more central role in the human capital discussion within the entrepreneurship literature.
Unleashing hidden potential: customer engagement in modular service innovation
Authors: Iman Nofie
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the role of customer engagement during the production of services in a modular innovation. Modularity can be used to explain the structure and relationship in services innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors explore the theory of modularity focussing on the context of consumer engagements. They adopted ideas from product modularity and approach services using modular principle.

Findings

Contrary to the extant literature, the authors are content that the transactions between the participants were mainly conducted at thick crossing points. By focusing on thin crossing point, the service provider will achieve better overall service structure.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need to focus on specifying interface to define how service modules and service providers interact with the customer within the service.

Practical implications

By engaging customer, modular principle can help firms achieve cost efficiency, higher product and process variety, as well as better response to individual customer needs.

Originality/value

This paper scrutinises the engagement of customer and conceptualises the role of customer in modular innovations that have been previously neglected.
Trends and causes of socioeconomic inequalities in maternal healthcare in Ghana, 2003–2014
Authors: Fenny Ama Pokuaa , Asuman Derek , Crentsil Aba Obrumah , Odame Doreen Nyarko Anyamesem
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the trends of socioeconomic-related inequalities in maternal healthcare utilization in Ghana between 2003 and 2014 and examine the causes of inequalities in maternal healthcare utilization in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are drawn from three rounds of the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey collected in 2003, 2008 and 2014, respectively. The authors employ two alternative measures of socioeconomic inequalities in health – the Wagstaff and Erreygers indices – to examine the trends of socioeconomic inequalities in maternal healthcare utilization. The authors proceed to decompose the causes of inequalities in maternal healthcare by applying a recently developed generalized decomposition technique based on recentered influence function regressions.

Findings

The study finds substantial pro-rich inequalities in maternal healthcare utilization in Ghana. The degree of inequalities has been decreasing since 2003. The elimination of user fees for maternal healthcare has contributed to achieving equity and inclusion in utilization. The decomposition analysis reveals significant contributions of individual, household and locational characteristics to inequalities in maternal healthcare. The authors find that educational attainment, urban residence and challenges with physical access to healthcare facilities increase the socioeconomic gap in maternal healthcare utilization.

Originality/value

There is a need to target vulnerable women who are unlikely to utilize maternal healthcare services. In addition to the elimination of user fees, there is a need to reduce inequalities in the distribution and quality of maternal health services to achieve universal coverage in Ghana.
Through the eyes of an artist: consumption ethos and commercial art in Bengal
Authors: Datta Anisha
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Through a critical reading of a twentieth-century Bengali artist’s autobiography, this paper aims to attempt to demonstrate how commercial art and the consumption ethos symbolized by that art represented an archetypal bhadralok insignia. A close examination of this insignia reveals how the dynamics of modern liberal values mediating through the colonial capitalist structure in relation to the regional particularities of Bengal opened up a new space of cosmopolitanism, where there is an attempt to reframe cultural practices in the light of a broader global history of interrogation, reason, change and emancipation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a historical analysis of primary sources.

Findings

It was found that the bhadralok-led Bengal School of Art influenced commercial art of early postcolonial Bengal.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the region of Bengal.

Originality/value

This paper makes contributions to one of the less-researched, but very important areas, of business history in India.
The political economy of branding: khadi, colonialism and Indian nationhood
Authors: Shah Nirali
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an understanding of how brands acquire meanings in a historical context. It examines the politico-economic environment that led to emergence of khadi in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses historical data to examine political economy of khadi. The author uses both written text and visuals for data collection and analysis.

Findings

It elucidates how the significance of khadi changed from being a mere cloth to a product of self-sufficiency and national importance in India’s freedom movement. This work is based on the analysis of Gandhian activities, especially consumption of khadi and usage of spinning wheel, during Indian freedom movement. The work analyzes the evolution of khadi in its historical, social and political context in colonial India. This paper reveals how and why brands acquire certain historical meanings.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is developed in colonial India.

Originality/value

This paper examines the role of institutions, social and political movements in the creation, development and nurturing of a brand and its meanings.
Factors influencing the adoption of the crowdfunding-waqf model (CWM) in the waqf land development
Authors: Mohd Thas Thaker Mohamed Asmy Bin
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the behavioural intention of donors or crowd funders to use crowdfunding-waqf model (CWM), as this model is proposed to address the liquidity problem faced bywaqfinstitution in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary data are collected from the survey administered to donors or crowd funders in Klang Valley and the analysis is conducted using Partial Least Squares (PLS). The model has validated its acceptance in the field by adopting the theory of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).

Findings

This study has revealed that both the perceived usefulness and perceived easy to use are found to have a positive impact on the intention of donors or crowd funders in assistingwaqfinstitution to developwaqfland in Malaysia. Furthermore, perceived easy to use has a positive relationship and direct effect with perceived usefulness of crowd funders to use the CWM.

Research limitations/implications

The variables that have been used based on TAM in this study are constantly in flux. There are other variables such as trust, social norm, orientations that might be affecting the adoption level of donors or crowd funders in Malaysia. In addition, the current study is covering only Klang Valley, Malaysia. Future research is nevertheless still required that incorporate other variables and extend the study to other states of Malaysia.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper will providewaqfinstitution with an alternative source for raising capital to developwaqfasset. The present study also has implications for government and policy makers.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, no study has incorporated an element of crowdfunding to developwaqfland. Thus, the present study is relevant in extending the importance of crowdfunding as a source of financing forwaqfinstitutions in developingwaqfland.
Improving the joint strength of the friction stir spot welding of carbon steel and copper using the design of experiments method
Authors: Abdullah Isam Tareq , Hussein Sabah Khammass
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to optimize the welding parameters: rotating speed and plunging depth of carbon steel and pure copper joints using friction stir spot welding (FSSW) with the aid of the design of experiments (DOE) method.

Design/methodology/approach

Carbon steel and pure copper sheets were welded using the FSSW technique with a cylindrical tool and without a probe. The welding parameters were: rotating speed: 1,120, 1,400 and 1,800 RPM and plunging depth: 0.2 and 0.4 mm. The welding process was carried out both with and without pre-heating. The welded specimens were analyzed using a shear tensile test. A microstructural investigation at the optimum conditions was carried out. The results were analyzed and optimized using the statistical software Minitab and following the DOE method.

Findings

Pre-heating the sample and increasing the rotating speed and plunging depth increased the tensile shear force of the joint. The plunging depth has the biggest effect on the joint efficiency compared with the rotating speed. The optimum shear force (4,560 N) was found at 1,800 RPM, 0.4 mm plunge depth and with pre-heating. The welding parameters were modified so that the samples were welded at 1,800 RPM and at plunging depths of 0.45–1 mm in 0.05 mm steps. The optimized shear force was 5,400 N. The fractured samples exhibited two types of failure mode: interfacial and nugget pull-out.

Originality/value

For the first time, pure copper and carbon steel sheets were welded using FSSW and a tool without a probe with ideal joint efficiency (95 percent).
Quantifying and ranking the “7-Deadly” Wastes in a warehouse environment
Authors: Salhieh Loay , Altarazi Safwan , Abushaikha Ismail
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper focuses on quantifying and ranking the “7-Deadly” Wastes in the warehouse environment. The purpose of this paper is to develop a prioritized road map that would guide the implementation of the “7-Deadly” Wastes and their related waste-reduction practices in a warehouse environment for improving warehouse operational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A four-stage approach was used to achieve the objectives of the study. A Delphi technique was employed to develop indicators of waste-reduction practices at the warehouse activities level and categorize them according to the “7-Deadly” wastes. Whereas categories ranked based on statistical analysis, a regression analysis was used to explore the impacts of this ranking.

Findings

The results of the regression analysis showed a significant influence of the ranked “7-Deadly” wastes on warehouse operational performance. The paper develops a road map for implementing waste-reduction practices in the warehouse.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a road map comprising warehouse waste categories. It develops an integrated approach to quantify, rank and prioritize initiatives to adopt the categories of the “7-Deadly” Wastes that would (not) affect warehouse operational performance.
Acoustic and petrophysical properties of mechanically compacted overconsolidated sands: Part 2 – Rock physics modelling and applications
Authors: Narongsirikul Sirikarn , Mondol Nazmul Haque , Jahren Jens
Published: September 2018

Part one of this paper reported results from experimental compaction measurements of unconsolidated natural sand samples with different mineralogical compositions and textures. The experimental setup was designed with several cycles of stress loading and unloading applied to the samples. The setup was aimed to simulate a stress condition where sediments underwent episodes of compaction, uplift and erosion. P‐wave and S‐wave velocities and corresponding petrophysical (porosity and density) properties were reported. In this second part of the paper, rock physics modelling utilizing existing rock physics models to evaluate the model validity for measured data from part one were presented. The results show that a friable sand model, which was established for normally compacted sediments is also capable of describing overconsolidated sediments. The velocity–porosity data plotted along the friable sand lines not only describe sorting deterioration, as has been traditionally explained by other studies, but also variations in pre‐consolidation stress or degree of stress release. The deviation of the overconsolidated sands away from the normal compaction trend on the VP/VS and acoustic impedance space shows that various stress paths can be predicted on this domain when utilizing rock physics templates. Fluid saturation sensitivity is found to be lower in overconsolidated sands compared to normally consolidated sands. The sensitivity decreases with increasing pre‐consolidation stress. This means detectability for four‐dimensional fluid saturation changes can be affected if sediments were pre‐stressed and unloaded. Well log data from the Barents Sea show similar patterns to the experimental sand data. The findings allow the development of better rock physics diagnostics of unloaded sediments, and the understanding of expected 4D seismic response during time‐lapse seismic monitoring of uplifted basins. The studied outcomes also reveal an insight into the friable sand model that its diagnostic value is not only for describing sorting microtextures, but also pre‐consolidation stress history. The outcome extends the model application for pre‐consolidation stress estimation, for any unconsolidated sands experiencing similar unloading stress conditions to this study.
Fluid deficits during prolonged overnight fasting in young healthy adults
Authors: Danielsson Erik J. D. , Lejbman Ilja , Åkeson Jonas
Published: September 2018

Background

Overnight fasting is often prolonged before scheduled surgery, and the extent of perioperative fluid replacement may influence outcome. In clinical practice, basic requirements are estimated at 1.2‐2.0 mL·kg−1·h−1, but there is little contemporary clinical data on what deficits result from complete fasting. This prospective preclinical study was designed to determine total fluid loss during overnight fasting, prolonged during daytime.

Methods

Twenty (10 female) healthy adult volunteers, aged 24 (range 21‐46) years, fasted from 22:00 until 16:00, and had their body weight and urine output measured at predefined time intervals.

Results

The median (interquartile range) fluid deficits were 0.82 (0.73‐1.00) kg, corresponding to 1.26 (1.11‐1.41) g·kg−1·h−1 for the initial overnight fasting period, 0.59 (0.40‐0.70) kg and 0.99 (0.83‐1.31) g·kg−1·h−1 for the consecutive daytime period, and 1.47 (1.27‐1.64) kg and 1.19 (1.05‐1.28) g·kg−1·h−1 for the total period of fasting. Urine output accounted for 52% of total weight loss and was 36% of the baseline hourly level during the last four‐hour period of fasting.

Conclusions

Ten hours of overnight fasting in young adults induces fluid deficits at the lower limit of estimated intervals referred to in clinical practice, and hourly weight loss gradually decreases further during prolonged daytime fasting. These findings indicate that current routine procedures do slightly overestimate fluid deficits resulting from prolonged fasting in perioperative clinical practice.