bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining the Transcriptional Landscape during Cytomegalovirus Latency with Single-Cell RNA Sequencing
Authors: Shnayder Miri , Nachshon Aharon , Krishna Benjamin , Poole Emma , Boshkov Alina , Binyamin Amit , Maza Itay , Sinclair John , Schwartz Michal , Stern-Ginossar Noam
Published: October 2017

Primary infection with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) results in a lifelong infection due to its ability to establish latent infection, one characterized viral reservoir being hematopoietic cells. Although reactivation from latency causes serious disease in immunocompromised individuals, our molecular understanding of latency is limited. Here, we delineate viral gene expression during natural HCMV persistent infection by analyzing the massive RNA-seq atlas generated by the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. This systematic analysis reveals that HCMV persistencein-vivois prevalent in diverse tissues. Unexpectedly, we find only viral transcripts that resemble gene expression during stages of lytic infection with no evidence of any highly restricted latency-associated viral gene expression program. To further define the transcriptional landscape during HCMV latent infection, we also used single cell RNA-seq and a tractable experimental latency model. In contrast to current views on latency, we also find no evidence for a specific restricted latency-associated viral gene expression program. Instead, we reveal that latency-associated gene expression largely mirrors a late lytic viral program albeit at much lower levels of expression. Overall, our work has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of HCMV persistence and suggests that latency is governed mainly by quantitative changes, with a limited number of qualitative changes, in viral gene expression.
Birthweight, Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: Addressing the Barker Hypothesis with Mendelian randomization
Authors: Zanetti Daniela , Tikkanen Emmi , Gustafsson Stefan , Priest James Rush , Burgess Stephen , Ingelsson Erik
Published: October 2017

Background

Low birthweight (BW) has been associated with a higher risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in epidemiological studies. The Barker hypothesis posits that intrauterine growth restriction resulting in lower BW is causal for these diseases, but causality and mechanisms are difficult to infer from observational studies. Mendelian randomization (MR) is a new tool to address this important question.

Methods

We performed regression analyses to assess associations of self-reported BW with CVD and T2D in 237,631 individuals from the UK Biobank, a large population-based cohort study aged 40-69 years recruited across UK in 2006-2010. Further, we assessed the causal relationship of such associations using the two- sample MR approach, estimating the causal effect by contrasting the SNP effects on the exposure with the SNP effects on the outcome using independent publicly available genome-wide association datasets.

Results

In the observational analyses, BW showed strong inverse associations with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (β, −0.83 and −0.26; per raw unit in outcomes and SD change in BW; 95% CI, −0.90, −0.75 and −0.31, −0.22, respectively), T2D (odds ratio [OR], 0.83; 95% CI, 0.79, 0.87), lipid-lowering treatment (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.81, 0.86) and CAD (hazard ratio [HR] 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78, 0.94); while the associations with adult body mass index (BMI) and body fat (β, 0.04 and 0.02; per SD change in outcomes and BW; 95% CI, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.01, 0.02, respectively) were positive. The MR analyses indicated inverse causal associations of BW with low density lipoprotein cholesterol, 2-hour glucose, CAD and T2D, and positive causal association with BMI; but no associations with blood pressure. Sensitivity analyses and robust MR methods provided consistent results and indicated no horizontal pleiotropy.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that lower BW is causally and directly related with increased susceptibility to CAD and T2D in adulthood. This causal relationship is not mediated by adult obesity or hypertension.
Single-cell transcriptomic catalog of mouse cortical development
Authors: Loo Lipin , Simon Jeremy M. , McCoy Eric S. , Niehaus Jesse K. , Zylka Mark J.
Published: October 2017

We generated a single-cell transcriptomic catalog of the developing mouse cerebral cortex that includes numerous classes of neurons, progenitors, and glia, their proliferation, migration, and activation states, and their relatedness within and across timepoints. Cell expression profiles stratified neurological disease-associated genes into distinct subtypes. Complex neurodevelopmental processes can be reconstructed with single-cell transcriptomics data, permitting a deeper understanding of cortical development and the cellular origins of brain diseases.
Massive Factorial Design Untangles Coding Sequences Determinants of Translation Efficacy
Authors: Cambray Guillaume , Guimaraes Joao C. , Arkin Adam Paul
Published: October 2017

Comparative analyses of natural sequences or variant libraries are often used to infer mechanisms of expression, activity and evolution. Contingent selective histories and small sample sizes can profoundly bias such approaches. Both limitations can be lifted using precise design of large-scale DNA synthesis. Here, we precisely design 5E. coligenomes worth of synthetic DNA to untangle the relative contributions of 8 interlaced sequence properties described independently as major determinants of translation inEscherichia coli. To expose hierarchical effects, we engineer an inducible translational coupling device enabling epigenetic disruption of mRNA secondary structures. We find that properties commonly believed to modulate translation generally explain less than a third of the variation in protein production. We describe dominant effects of mRNA structures over codon composition on both initiation and elongation, and previously uncharacterized relationships among factors controlling translation. These results advance our understanding of translation efficiency and expose critical design challenges.
Graph abstraction reconciles clustering with trajectory inference through a topology preserving map of single cells
Authors: Wolf F. Alexander , Hamey Fiona , Plass Mireya , Solana Jordi , Dahlin Joakim S. , Göttgens Berthold , Rajewsky Nikolaus , Simon Lukas , Theis Fabian J.
Published: October 2017

Single-cell RNA-seq quantifies biological heterogeneity across both discrete cell types and continuous cell transitions. Partition-based graph abstraction (PAGA) provides an interpretable graph-like map of the arising data manifold, based on estimating connectivity of manifold partitions (https://github.com/theislab/paga). PAGA maps provide interpretable discrete and continuous latent coordinates for both disconnected and continuous structure in data, preserve the global topology of data, allow analyzing data at different resolutions and result in much higher computational efficiency of the typical exploratory data analysis workflow — one million cells take on the order of a minute, a speedup of 130 times compared to UMAP. We demonstrate the method by inferring structure-rich cell maps with consistent topology across four hematopoietic datasets, confirm the reconstruction of lineage relations of adult planaria and the zebrafish embryo, benchmark computational performance on a neuronal dataset and detect a biological trajectory in one deep-learning processed image dataset.
Bundle sheath extensions affect leaf structural and physiological plasticity in response to irradiance
Authors: Barbosa Maria Antonia M. , Chitwood Daniel H. , Azevedo Aristéa A. , Araújo Wagner L. , Ribeiro Dimas M. , Peres Lázaro E. P. , Martins Samuel C. V. , Zsögön Agustin
Published: October 2017

Coordination between structural and physiological traits is key to plants’ responses to environmental fluctuations. In heterobaric leaves, bundle sheath extensions (BSEs) increase photosynthetic performance (light-saturated rates of photosynthesis, Amax) and water transport capacity (leaf hydraulic conductance, Kleaf). However, it is not clear how BSEs affect these and other leaf developmental and physiological parameters in response to environmental conditions. The obscuravenosa (obv) mutation, found in many commercial tomato varieties, leads to absence of BSEs. We examined structural and physiological traits of tomato heterobaric and homobaric (obv) near-isogenic lines (NILs) grown at two different irradiance levels. Kleaf, minor vein density and stomatal pore area index decreased with shading in heterobaric but not in homobaric leaves, which show similarly lower values in both conditions. Homobaric plants, on the other hand, showed increased Amax, leaf intercellular air spaces and mesophyll surface area exposed to intercellular airspace (Smes) in comparison with heterobaric plants when both were grown in the shade. BSEs further affected carbon isotope discrimination, a proxy for long-term water-use efficiency. BSEs confer plasticity in traits related to leaf structure and function in response to irradiance levels and might act as a hub integrating leaf structure, photosynthetic function and water supply and demand.

Summary statement

The presence of bundle sheath extension (BSEs) defines leaves as heterobaric, as opposed to homobaric leaves that lack them. Multiple functions have been proposed for BSEs, but their impact on different environmental conditions is still unclear. Here, we compared a tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) homobaric mutant lacking BSEs with its corresponding heterobaric wild-type, grown under two irradiance conditions. We show that the presence of BSEs differentially alters various physiological and anatomical parameters in response to growth irradiance. We propose that BSEs could act as hubs coordinating leaf plasticity in response to environmental factors.

Article type

Research article
Rem2 regulates distinct homeostatic mechanisms in visual circuit plasticity
Authors: Moore Anna R. , Richards Sarah E. , Kenny Katelyn , de Oliveira Royer Leandro , Chan Urann , Flavahan Kelly , Van Hooser Stephen D. , Paradis Suzanne
Published: October 2017

Activity-regulated genes sculpt neural circuits in response to sensory experience. These calcium-sensitive genes generally fall into two categories: transcription factors and proteins that function at synapses. Yet little is known about activity-regulated, cytosolic proteins that transduce signals between the neuronal membrane and the nucleus. Using the visual system as a model, we investigated the role of the activity-regulated, non-canonical Ras-like GTPase Rem2 in vivo. We demonstrate that Rem2-/- mice fail to exhibit normal ocular dominance plasticity during the critical period. At the circuit level, cortical layer 2/3 neurons in Rem2-/- mice show deficits in both postsynaptic scaling up of excitatory synapses and misregulation of intrinsic excitability. Further, we reveal that Rem2 plays a novel, cell-autonomous role in regulating neuronal intrinsic excitability. Thus, Rem2 is a critical regulator of neural circuit function and distinct homeostatic plasticity mechanisms in vivo.

HIGHLIGHTS

Rem2 is required in excitatory cortical neurons for normal ocular dominance plasticity

Rem2 regulates postsynaptic homoeostatic synaptic scaling up

Rem2 alters the intrinsic excitability of neurons in a cell-autonomous manner
Postnatal Tendon Growth and Remodeling Requires Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor Signaling
Authors: Sugg Kristoffer B , Markworth James F , Disser Nathaniel P , Rizzi Andrew M , Talarek Jeffrey R , Sarver Dylan C , Brooks Susan V , Mendias Christopher L
Published: October 2017

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) signaling plays an important role in the fundamental biological activities of many cells that compose musculoskeletal tissues. However, little is known about the role of PDGFR signaling during tendon growth and remodeling in adult animals. Using the hindlimb synergist ablation model of tendon growth, our objectives were to determine the role of PDGFR signaling in the adaptation of tendons subjected to a mechanical growth stimulus, as well as to investigate the biological mechanisms behind this response. We demonstrate that both PDGFRs, PDGFRα and PDGFRβ, are expressed in tendon fibroblasts, and that the inhibition of PDGFR signaling suppresses the normal growth of tendon tissue in response to mechanical growth cues due to defects in fibroblast proliferation and migration. We also identify that membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) as an essential proteinase for the migration of tendon fibroblasts through their extracellular matrix. Furthermore, we report that MT1-MMP translation is regulated by PI3K/Akt signaling, while ERK1/2 controls post-translational trafficking of MT1-MMP to the plasma membrane of tendon fibroblasts. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that PDGFR signaling is necessary for postnatal tendon growth and remodeling, and that MT1-MMP is a critical mediator of tendon fibroblast migration and a potential target for the treatment of tendon injuries and diseases.
The Cultural Brain Hypothesis: How culture drives brain expansion, underlies sociality, and alters life history
Authors: Muthukrishna Michael , Doebeli Michael , Chudek Maciej , Henrich Joseph
Published: October 2017

In the last few million years, the hominin brain more than tripled in size. Comparisons across evolutionary lineages suggest that this expansion may be part of a broader trend toward larger, more complex brains in many taxa. Efforts to understand the evolutionary forces driving brain expansion have focused on climatic, ecological, and social factors. Here, building on existing research on learning, we analytically and computationally model the predictions of two closely related hypotheses: The Cultural Brain Hypothesis and the Cumulative Cultural Brain Hypothesis. The Cultural Brain Hypothesis posits that brains have been selected for their ability to store and manage information, acquired through asocial or social learning. The model of the Cultural Brain Hypothesis reveals relationships between brain size, group size, innovation, social learning, mating structures, and the length of the juvenile period that are supported by the existing empirical literature. From this model, we derive a set of predictions—the Cumulative Cultural Brain Hypothesis—for the conditions that favor an autocatalytic take-off characteristic of human evolution. This narrow evolutionary pathway, created by cumulative cultural evolution, may help explain the rapid expansion of human brains and other aspects of our species’ life history and psychology.
Non-B-form DNA structures mark centromeres
Authors: Kasinathan Sivakanthan , Henikoff Steven
Published: October 2017

Animal and plant centromeres are embedded in repetitive “satellite” DNA, but are thought to be epigenetically specified. To define genetic characteristics of centromeres, we surveyed satellite DNA from diverse eukaryotes and identified variation in <10-bp dyad symmetries predicted to adopt non-B-form conformations. Organisms lacking centromeric dyad symmetries had binding sites for sequence-specific DNA binding proteins with DNA bending activity. For example, human and mouse centromeres are depleted for dyad symmetries, but are enriched for non-B DNA and are associated with binding sites for the conserved DNA-binding protein CENP-B, which is required for artificial centromere function but is paradoxically non-essential. We also detected dyad symmetries and predicted non-B-form DNA structures at neocentromeres, which form at ectopic loci. We propose that centromeres form at non-B-form DNA because of dyad symmetries or are strengthened by sequence-specific DNA binding proteins. Our findings resolve the CENP-B paradox and provide a general basis for centromere specification.
The presence of academic journals on Twitter and its relationship with dissemination (tweets) and research impact (citations)
Authors: Ortega Jose Luis
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between dissemination of research papers on Twitter and its influence on research impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Four types of journal Twitter accounts (journal, owner, publisher and no Twitter account) were defined to observe differences in the number of tweets and citations. In total, 4,176 articles from 350 journals were extracted from Plum Analytics. This altmetric provider tracks the number of tweets and citations for each paper. Student’st-test for two-paired samples was used to detect significant differences between each group of journals. Regression analysis was performed to detect which variables may influence the getting of tweets and citations.

Findings

The results show that journals with their own Twitter account obtain more tweets (46 percent) and citations (34 percent) than journals without a Twitter account. Followers is the variable that attracts more tweets (ß=0.47) and citations (ß=0.28) but the effect is small and the fit is not good for tweets (R2=0.46) and insignificant for citations (R2=0.18).

Originality/value

This is the first study that tests the performance of research journals on Twitter according to their handles, observing how the dissemination of content in this microblogging network influences the citation of their papers.
Innovation capabilities in services: a multi-cases approach
Authors: Daniel Vanessa Marques , de Lima Mauricio Pozzebon , Ferrari Dambros Ângela Maria
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Considering the importance of services and innovation for the modern economy and the peculiarities that differentiate services from tangible goods, the purpose of this paper is to better understand how, based on the capabilities approach, innovation takes place in services.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative multi-case study was conducted in five instances of innovation in the fitness market, using a semi-structured questionnaire as devised in Zawislak et al. (2014).

Findings

The results show that the traditional capabilities framework is limited in explaining service innovation, as there are many levels of intangibility and non-linearity in service provision. Cases show that it is not possible to think of capabilities linearly in the service context. The authors propose that capabilities overlap, and the results show that this is a more accurate way of describing service dynamics. An alternative framework is suggested based on field findings, and a set of propositions are made for future research.

Originality/value

For many years, services were perceived as non-innovative, complementary activities, geared mainly towards the production of goods. The value of this study is to investigate a topic (innovation) that is widely studied in the industrial sector in a service context, contributing to a largely unexplored field.
Academic patenting in Brazil: the role of academic inventors in PCT patent applications – 2002-2012
Authors: Silva Kelyane , Vasconcellos Alexandre Guimarães , Tonholo Josealdo , Godinho Manuel Mira
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the patenting activity of the Brazilian academic sector vis-à-vis the domestic business sector, taking into account the recent evolution of Brazil’s industrial policies. The paper differentiates between “university academic patents”, which are owned by the universities, and “non-university academic patents”, which despite being invented by academic staff are not owned by the universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ cross-checked information regarding the names of all inventors with Brazilian addresses in PCT patent applications in the Espacenet database with the names of researchers in the CVs available on the Lattes Platform of CNPq. The analysis specifically focussed on patent applications published in the PCT with Brazilian priority for the 2002-2012 period.

Findings

It was found that the Brazilian academic patents concentrate on science-based technology areas, especially in the Pharma Biotechnology domain. For a total of 466 patent applications with Brazilian priority in this field, 233 have academic inventors. Of those 233 academic applications, 66.1 per cent have universities as their owners, while the remaining 33.9 per cent are not owned by universities. Further, it was found that there are more Brazilian academic patents in the biotechnology sub-domain than those filed by the business sector.

Research limitations/implications

This research was based on the intersection of patent databases and the content available on the official curriculum base of Brazil (Lattes Platform, CNPq). Once the curricula information are voluntary, there are risks inherent reliability of this information.

Practical implications

This study allows us to identify more accurately which is the effective role of the Brazilian Academy in patents generation, revealing that a significant unaccounted deposits with personal inventors or companies’ ownership really have a academic contribution.

Originality/value

This paper shows that the academic sector plays a key role in Brazil’s international patenting activity, particularly in science-intensive technology domains, and it highlights the specific contribution of academic patents not owned by universities.
Innovation and development: a revision of the Latin American thought
Authors: Jasso Javier , Del Valle Maria del Carmen , Núñez Ismael
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the contributions of what has been established as Latin American thought, as science, technology, and innovation (STI) in Latin America have been strongly related to development.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis method is based on the review of a group of Latin American and Latinoamericanista (Latin Americanist) authors who were selected on the basis of their contributions to the explanation and proposals of public policy related to STI. The following are some of the questions that guide the analysis. How much has STI in Latin American thought contributed to the development theory? Given the fact that there are other dominant mainstreams, can we say that Latin American thought is still relevant?

Findings

The main conclusion of this work is that Latin American thought is still applied to current Latin American development discussions. This can be proven by the creation of particular concepts and analytical frameworks such as structural heterogeneity, development styles, authentic and spurious competitiveness, Sabato’s Triangle, the centre-periphery model, and STI policy practices.

Originality/value

This paper gathered contributions and categorised them into three dimensions: state participation (intensity, composition), industrialisation as the impulse for development, and instruments and public policy actions that can be implemented or have already been implemented.
From Big Data to Big Impact: analytics for teaching and learning in higher education
Authors: Chaurasia Sushil S. , Frieda Rosin Anna
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the applicability of Big Data in higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews was employed to get insights from 23 experts from the Indian higher education sector. Respondents included higher education specialists from information technology, administration and academicians from public and private funded institutions.

Findings

Based on competitive advantage and data complexity, four major application areas were identified for the use of Big Data in higher education. These application areas are reporting and compliance; analysis and visualization; security and risk mitigation; and predictive analytics.

Research limitations/implications

Qualitative methodology is suitable to explain constructs and relationships between constructs, but it does not explain the magnitude of the relationships. The lack of Big Data experts in higher education constrained the ability of this research by leading to repeated themes. Finally, including participants from other countries would have assisted further in generalizing the findings.

Originality/value

As both interest and reluctance persists about Big Data, it calls for the application across industries and cost-benefit analyses. A number of researchers have studied the use of Big Data in various fields associated with the applicability, the data availability, the cost, the competence, the privacy, the relevance and the ownership. Very few publications explicitly address the integrative use of Big Data in higher education. So the current study examines the applicability of Big Data analytics in higher education institutions.
Adoption of sustainable retrofit in UK social housing 2010-2015
Authors: Swan William , Fitton Richard , Smith Luke , Abbott Carl , Smith Liz
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The Retrofit State of the Nation Survey has tracked the perceptions of social housing sector professionals’ views of retrofit since 2010. It has taken the form of three surveys conducted in 2010, 2013 and 2015. Here, the authors bring together the three surveys to specifically address the adoption and perceived effectiveness of retrofit technology in social housing projects. The purpose of this paper is to identify the changing perceptions of social housing professionals over a period of significant policy change within in the sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The research takes the form of a cross-sectional attitudinal, self-completion survey, covering sections considering the adoption levels and perceived effectiveness of different retrofit technologies. The target sample was medium to larger scale registered social housing providers. The surveys were conducted in 2010, 2013 and 2015.

Findings

In terms of effectiveness, the reliance on tried and tested technologies is apparent. Emerging or more complex technologies have declined in perceived effectiveness over the period. It is clear that social housing has adopted a wide range of technologies, and the larger providers, with whom this survey is undertaken, potentially represent a significant pool of UK retrofit experience.

Originality/value

The survey provides a record of the changing attitudes of social housing providers to specific technologies over the period of 2010-2015, which has seen significant changes in the energy and social housing policy. The findings show the link between policy instruments and adoption, with policy instruments mapping to adoption in the sector. Perceived effectiveness reflects a preference for more established technologies, an issue that is highlighted in the recent Bonfield Review.
“Another nice mess you’ve gotten me into” employers’ liability for workplace banter
Authors: Middlemiss Sam
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Banter has been defined in the Oxford Dictionary as “the playful and friendly exchange of playful remarks” [www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/banter]. This suggests that it is a form of dialogue or conversation that is welcome, non-threatening and appreciated by the recipient. However, this is often not the case, and the purpose of this paper is to consider the legal rules dealing with banter where it is threatening, unwanted or oppressive to the recipient. Where there is a discriminatory aspect to the banter, the protection provided under equality law will be considered. Banter can be directed at workers with different characteristics (e.g. disability, age, religion, sex, race or sexual orientation), and this paper will consider discriminatory banter whatever the basis. The different types of dialogues falling under the term banter will be analysed and the extent to which legal protection is in place to deal with it will be considered. The statutory legal rules dealing with harassment and bullying in the UK are the most relevant to controlling workplace banter and accordingly will be given primary consideration. Finally, recommendations will be made for improving both management practice and the law in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used is a thorough review of secondary sources in the UK including relevant statutes and legal cases and research undertaken in this area.

Findings

There is a need for legislative change to protect victims of unwanted workplace banter.

Research limitations/implications

Legal and managerial solutions to a complex problem.

Practical implications

Very few sources of primary research.

Originality/value

Highly original.
Registration of business and tax payment in Nkoranza North and South districts in Brong Ahafo region of Ghana
Authors: Adu Kofi Osei , Amponsah Stephen
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between registration of business and tax payment among micro-business owners in Nkoranza South Municipal and Nkoranza North District in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Interview schedule was used to collect information from 720 micro business owners who qualify for tax stamps. The study used correspondence analysis as the analytical tool.

Findings

The study found a significant association between registration of business and tax payment. The biplot also indicated that unregistered businesses and businesses registered with District Assembly only are more likely to evade tax than those registered with Ghana Revenue Authority.

Originality/value

In Ghana, for instance, owner of business is required by law to provide information on his/her business, himself/herself and partners (as the case may be) to the Registrar-General Department, and thereafter, the business should also be registered at the nearest Ghana Revenue Authority District Office. This regulation was enacted in 2005, and it is expected that this registration will help tax authority in tax collection, as they will have adequate knowledge about businesses in the area including the location of the businesses. However, after 10 years in existence of this regulation, the effect of this registration requirement on tax payment in Ghana is not known. It is this gap that the present study seeks to fill by looking at the relationship between registration of business and tax evasion in the Ghanaian informal sector.
Shari’ah and economics: a generalized system approach
Authors: Choudhury Masudul Alam , Hoque Muhammad Nazmul
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to open the gateway of methodological abstraction and its application in an Islamic perspective in a way that has not been carried out before in Islamic literature. That is because of the absence of ontological and epistemological inquiry in Islamic erudition for a long time now. In the case of the Shari’ah and its induction of socioeconomic studies, the span of intellection and application ought to be premised on the ontological, epistemological, phenomenological and continuity attributes derived from the monotheistic law. This takes the formalism of organic inter-causal unity of being and becoming between the complementary good choices of life. The ontological monotheistic law of unity of knowledge is referred to as Tawhid in the Qur’an. Empirical work is done in support of the argument presented in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a formal contribution in the direction of developing a model of well-being based on the methodology of unity of knowledge arising from the Tawhidi epistemic foundation. In this regard, a methodologically interrelated theoretical and empirically applied study is accomplished to test the argumentation and hypothesis of endogenous systemic embedding of inter-variable causality between Shari’ah and economic and financial issues.

Findings

In spite of the epistemic approach to explain the embedding model of interrelationship between Islamic law and details of the socioeconomic field, Islamic scholarship and practice in all fields have remained oblivious to its epistemic roots. Consequently, as presently understood, Shari’ah and economics and the various socio-scientific specifics, as of Islamic finance and financial and religious institutions in these areas, could not make a generalized model of social well-being, one that can be simulated by inter-variable causal relations.

Originality/value

The paper conveys a critical conceptual idea to debate the scope and approach of Islamic Law, Shari’ah, on economic matters. The system-oriented approach is used to formulate a systems theory of integration between Shari’ah and economics. The results of the approach implemented in this study constitute a major contribution of this paper to scholarship in general and acts as a critique of traditional Islamic thought with respect to Shari’ah and economics.
Nineteen years of whistleblowing legislation in the UK: is it time for a more comprehensive approach?
Authors: Lewis David Balaban
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA 1998) was the model for South Africa’s Protected Disclosures Act 2000 and has been regarded as an exemplary piece of legislation in debates in other countries, for example, the Netherlands, New Zealand and some Australian states. However, in the light of international developments since PIDA 1998 came into force, in particular the principles contained in the Council of Europe Recommendation and the enactment of more sophisticated statutes elsewhere, it is contended that the UK legislation is no longer fit for purpose. The purpose of this article is to make suggestions for reform in the light of developments elsewhere.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper assesses the operation of PIDA 1998 (as amended) in the light of the case law and empirical research.

Findings

The paper makes detailed suggestions for reform in relation to both the law and practice of whistleblowing.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on the main issues raised by the UK whistleblowing provisions. It has implications both nationally and internationally.

Practical implications

It is hoped that the recommendations will provoke thought about legislative reforms and changes in management practices.

Social implications

If the reforms suggested in the paper are enacted, it is expected that workers will be more confident about raising concerns about wrongdoing. This should benefit society generally in that economic inefficiencies can be dealt with and citizens can enjoy greater freedom of speech.

Originality/value

This review of the UK legislation over 19 years should be of value to academics, students, legal and management practitioners both at home and abroad.
Medical negligence in Bangladesh: criminal, civil and constitutional remedies
Authors: Hossaini Md Rafiqul Islam
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to determine the available remedies for medical negligence instances in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This research work is qualitative in nature. Books, journal articles, case law and statutory laws have been reviewed to formulate this work.

Findings

A victim of medical negligence in Bangladesh can approach the court seeking remedy under the Criminal Law, Civil Law and Constitutional Law. Moreover, medical professionals are expected to be aware about the legal consequences of their medically negligent practices, and they should indulge in ethical practices so as to avoid getting embroiled in controversial situations and litigations.

Originality/value

The main reasons for unaccountability of medical practitioners include the unwillingness of people to initiate action against medical practitioners and the lack of legal knowledge about the remedies for medical negligence instances. This paper will assist in gather the required legal knowledge.
The implementation of sustainability practices in Portuguese higher education institutions
Authors: Aleixo Ana Marta , Azeiteiro Ulisses , Leal Susana
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to analyze the current state of implementation of sustainability development (SD) in Portuguese higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was developed to measure the level of implementation of SD practices in HEIs as well as the number of rankings, certifications and declarations of these institutions. The questionnaire was sent by e-mail to all rectors, presidents, directors of faculties, departments and schools of Portuguese universities and polytechnics. A sample of 53 leaders was obtained.

Findings

Portuguese HEIs are mainly engaged in the social dimension of sustainability. The economic dimension emerges in second place and the institutional in third; the environmental dimension is the least developed. Except for a few specific topics (e.g. related to research on SD, and the offer of degree courses in SD), there are no significant differences between universities and polytechnics in the implementation of SD practices. Only 11 per cent of HEIs are innovators in the implementation of SD practices, and a majority of HEIs have implemented less than 34 per cent of the SD practices studied.

Research limitations/implications

This research has a national scope, and the results should be interpreted only in the Portuguese context. Future studies should include a larger range of institutional actors within the faculty.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable insights and theoretical and methodological guidance for future implementation processes supporting the transition to sustainability in HEIs.

Originality/value

This is the first study conducted in Portuguese HEIs with the aim of determining their efforts to implement and promote sustainability.
Universities and smart specialisation strategy
Authors: Rinaldi Chiara , Cavicchi Alessio , Spigarelli Francesca , Lacchè Luigi , Rubens Arthur
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The paper analyses the emerging role of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) universities in contemporary society via third- and fourth-mission activities. In particular, the paper investigates the potential contributions that SSH universities can offer in developing and enhancing capacities, supporting the changing conception of innovation coherently through a Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study presents multiple third- and fourth-mission activities carried out by the University of Macerata (Italy). The activities are framed according to the roles universities could have in supporting S3.

Findings

Within third- and fourth-mission activities, SSH universities can play different and broader roles (generative, absorptive, collaborative and leadership), which could support regions in designing and implementing S3.

Practical implications

The paper shows the important contributions that SSH universities can make in their regions, both to support S3 and enhance the transition to sustainable development.

Social implications

The article emphasises SSH universities’ multiple contributions to sustainable development and to innovation in the knowledge society/economy framework.

Originality/value

This case study captures SSH universities’ contributions to S3 and the wider innovation paradigm, by highlighting their transformational effect on regional economies.
The “carbon-neutral university” – a study from Germany
Authors: Udas Erica , Wölk Monique , Wilmking Martin
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Nowadays, several higher education institutions around the world are integrating sustainability topics into their daily operations, functionality and education systems. This paper presents a case study from a pilot project implemented by the Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald (hereafter, Greifswald University), Germany on its way towards a “carbon-neutral university”. The purpose of this paper is to share an institutional process targeting a gradual transformation towards achieving carbon neutrality. This might be relevant to other higher education institutions striving for a systematic and progressive change from a traditional system to a low emission or carbon-neutral pathway.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve carbon neutrality, three major transformative strategies were adopted: carbon reduction, carbon offsetting and mainstreaming sustainable actions via teaching and research.

Findings

A locally adaptable institutional framework on sustainability was successfully developed to: promote changes in daily operations, implement interdisciplinary research, incorporate sustainability into teaching and education and enhance outreach programs. Strong commitment from all stakeholders resulted in reduction of the university’s carbon footprint from 8,985 to 4,167 tCO2e year−1. Further, the unavoidable emissions could be locally offset through enhanced carbon sequestration on the university-owned forests.

Originality/value

Based on the experiences of Greifswald University, this paper presents major challenges and success lessons learned during the process of gradual institutional transformation to achieve the target of carbon neutrality.
Sustainability attitudes and behavioral motivations of college students
Authors: Perrault Evan K. , Clark Scott K.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

A planet that can no longer sustain life is a frightening thought – and one that is often present in mass media messages. Therefore, this study aims to test the components of a classic fear appeal theory, the extended parallel process model (EPPM) and to determine how well its constructs predict sustainability behavioral intentions. This study also strove to uncover students’ motivations and attitudes that are not present in the EPPM.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of 779 college students was conducted.

Findings

Results reveal that both threat and efficacy are significant predictors of behavioral intention, consistent with the EPPM. However, an analysis of open-ended comments reveals that subjective normative influence and incentives also play a key role in students performing future sustainable behaviors.

Practical implications

These findings provide a framework to educators and message designers of sustainability groups on college campuses highlighting the importance of including multiple constructs in their messages to students. Threatening messages will not be enough to increase behavioral intentions. Fear inducing messages must be combined with messages to increase self- and response efficacy. Education is also not the only piece of the puzzle. Students state difficulty in performing some sustainable behaviors as a key barrier, indicating a need to incorporate infrastructure changes at campuses to facilitate greater ease among students to act sustainably.

Originality value

This study tests the EPPM’s utility in helping to find the most effective ways to influence college students’ future behavioral intentions toward acting sustainably.
Assessing environmental competencies of primary education pre-service teachers in Spain
Authors: Alvarez-García Olaya , Sureda-Negre Jaume , Comas-Forgas Rubén
Published: October 2017

Purpose

In this paper, the results of an investigation aimed at analysing and comparing the environmental competences of future teachers undergoing training in two universities are presented. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the difference in the acquisition of environmental competences amongst two groups of students enrolled in two universities with different levels of introduction of the environmental education (EE) and sustainability contents in their curriculums. This objective is inserted into a wider finality: to provide recommendations regarding the redesign of pre-service teacher training curricula and learning programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

A specifically designed questionnaire was used in this study to analyse the environmental competencies of students in the final year of their degree in primary education in two Spanish universities. One of them had a highly environmentally oriented programme, and the other had a scarcely environmentally oriented programme.

Findings

Results show that no significant differences were observed in the results related to the greening level of the training programmes. Pre-service teachers have insufficient environmental knowledge, but with quite positive, responsible attitudes towards environmental issues, and pro-environmental actions that could be categorised as moderate. Results point to the need for further and better pre-service teacher training in environmental issues.

Originality/value

One of the main factors in the appropriate treatment of EE in schools is teacher training. Despite this principle being widely recognised, not all pre-service teacher training programmes adequately address EE. The added value of this paper is the comparison established between the students that followed a degree with a high impact of the environmental competences in its curriculum and another one that has very few references to these competences in the curriculum.
Toward sustainable publishing and querying of distributed Linked Data archives
Authors: Vander Sande Miel , Verborgh Ruben , Hochstenbach Patrick , Van de Sompel Herbert
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to detail a low-cost, low-maintenance publishing strategy aimed at unlocking the value of Linked Data collections held by libraries, archives and museums (LAMs).

Design/methodology/approach

The shortcomings of commonly used Linked Data publishing approaches are identified, and the current lack of substantial collections of Linked Data exposed by LAMs is considered. To improve on the discussed status quo, a novel approach for publishing Linked Data is proposed and demonstrated by means of an archive of DBpedia versions, which is queried in combination with other Linked Data sources.

Findings

The authors show that the approach makes publishing Linked Data archives easy and affordable, and supports distributed querying without causing untenable load on the Linked Data sources.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed approach significantly lowers the barrier for publishing, maintaining, and making Linked Data collections queryable. As such, it offers the potential to substantially grow the distributed network of queryable Linked Data sources. Because the approach supports querying without causing unacceptable load on the sources, the queryable interfaces are expected to be more reliable, allowing them to become integral building blocks of robust applications that leverage distributed Linked Data sources.

Originality/value

The novel publishing strategy significantly lowers the technical and financial barriers that LAMs face when attempting to publish Linked Data collections. The proposed approach yields Linked Data sources that can reliably be queried, paving the way for applications that leverage distributed Linked Data sources through federated querying.