bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Target-specific precision of CRISPR-mediated genome editing
Authors: Chakrabarti Anob M. , Henser-Brownhill Tristan , Monserrat Josep , Poetsch Anna R. , Luscombe Nicholas M. , Scaffidi Paola
Published: August 2018

The CRISPR-Cas9 system has successfully been adapted to edit the genome of various organisms. However, our ability to predict editing accuracy, efficacy and outcome at specific sites is limited by an incomplete understanding of how the bacterial system interacts with eukaryotic genomes and DNA repair machineries. Here, we performed the largest comparison of indel profiles to date, examining over one thousand sites in the genome of human cells, and uncovered general principles guiding CRISPR-mediated DNA editing. We find that precision of DNA editing varies considerably among sites, with some targets showing one highly-preferred indel and others displaying a wide range of infrequent indels. Editing precision correlates with editing efficiency, homology-associated end-joining for both insertions and deletions, and a preference for single-nucleotide insertions. Precise targets and the identity of their preferred indel can be predicted based on simple rules that mainly depend on the fourth nucleotide upstream of the PAM sequence. Regardless of precision, site-specific indel profiles are highly robust and depend on both DNA sequence and chromatin features. Our findings have important implications for clinical applications of CRISPR technology and reveal general patterns of broken end-joining that can inform us on DNA repair mechanisms in human cells.
The loops of the N-SH2 binding cleft do not serve as allosteric switch in SHP2 activation
Authors: Anselmi Massimiliano , Hub Jochen S.
Published: August 2018

The Src homology-2 domain containing phosphatase SHP2 is a critical regulator of signal transduction, being implicated in cell growth and differentiation. Activating mutations cause developmental disorders and act as oncogenic drivers in hematologic cancers. SHP2 is activated by phosphopeptide binding to the N-SH2 domain, triggering the release of N-SH2 from the catalytic PTP domain. Based on early crystallographic data, it has been widely accepted that opening of the binding cleft of N-SH2 serves as the key “allosteric switch” driving SHP2 activation. To test the putative coupling between binding cleft opening and SHP2 activation as assumed by the “allosteric switch” model, we critically reviewed structural data of SHP2 and we used extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and free energy calculations of isolated N-SH2 in solution, SHP2 in solution, and SHP2 in a crystal environment. Our results demonstrate that the binding cleft in N-SH2 is constitutively flexible and open in solution, and that a closed cleft found in certain structures is a consequence of crystal contacts. The degree of opening of the binding cleft has only a negligible effect on the free energy of SHP2 activation. Instead, SHP2 activation is greatly favored by the opening of the central β- sheet of N-SH2. We conclude that opening of the N-SH2 binding cleft is not the key allosteric switch triggering SHP2 activation.

Significance Statement

SHP2 is a multi-domain protein, playing an important role in up-regulating cellular processes such as cell survival, proliferation, and programmed cell death. SHP2 mutations cause developmental disorders and were found in many cancer types, including neuroblastoma, breast cancer, and leukemia. In healthy cells, SHP2 mainly takes an autoinhibited, inactive form, and SHP2 is activated upon binding of phosphopeptides to the N-SH2 domain. For the past two decades, the widening of the binding cleft upon peptide binding has been considered as the key event driving SHP2 activation. Here, by analyzing crystallographic data and molecular simulations, we demonstrate that the binding cleft in N-SH2 is, instead, already open and accessible in solution, and its degree of opening does not influence SHP2 activation.
deGSM: memory scalable construction of large scale de Bruijn Graph
Authors: Guo Hongzhe , Fu Yilei , Gao Yan , Li Junyi , Wang Yadong , Liu Bo
Published: August 2018

Motivation

De Bruijn graph, a fundamental data structure to represent and organize genome sequence, plays important roles in various kinds of sequence analysis tasks such as de novo assembly, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) read alignment, pan-genome analysis, metagenomics analysis, HTS read correction, etc. With the rapid development of HTS data and ever-increasing number of assembled genomes, there is a high demand to construct de Bruijn graph for sequences up to Tera-base-pair level. It is non-trivial since the size of the graph to be constructed could be very large and each graph consists of hundreds of billions of vertices and edges. Current existing approaches may have unaffordable memory footprints to handle such a large de Bruijn graph. Moreover, it also requires the construction approach to handle very large dataset efficiently, even if in a relatively small RAM space.

Results

We propose a lightweight parallel de Bruijn graph construction approach, de Bruijn Graph Constructor in Scalable Memory (deGSM). The main idea of deGSM is to efficiently construct the Bur-rows-Wheeler Transformation (BWT) of the unipaths of de Bruijn graph in constant RAM space and transform the BWT into the original unitigs. It is mainly implemented by a fast parallel external sorting of k-mers, which allows only a part of k-mers kept in RAM by a novel organization of the k-mers. The experimental results demonstrate that, just with a commonly used machine, deGSM is able to handle very large genome sequence(s), e.g., the contigs (305 Gbp) and scaffolds (1.1 Tbp) recorded in Gen-Bank database and Picea abies HTS dataset (9.7 Tbp). Moreover, deGSM also has faster or comparable construction speed compared with state-of-the-art approaches. With its high scalability and efficiency, deGSM has enormous potentials in many large scale genomics studies.

Availability

https://github.com/hitbc/deGSM.

Contact

ydwang@hit.edu.cn(YW) andbo.liu@hit.edu.cn(BL)

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available online.
PCH-2TRIP13regulates spindle checkpoint strength
Authors: Défachelles Lénaïg , Russo Anna E. , Nelson Christian R. , Bhalla Needhi
Published: August 2018

Spindle checkpoint strength is dictated by three criteria: the number of unattached kinetochores, cell volume and cell fate. We show that the conserved AAA-ATPase, PCH-2/TRIP13, which remodels the checkpoint effector Mad2 from an active conformation to an inactive one, controls checkpoint strength inC. elegans. When we manipulate embryos to decrease cell volume, PCH-2 is no longer required for the spindle checkpoint or recruitment of Mad2 at unattached kinetochores. This role in checkpoint strength is not limited to large cells: the stronger checkpoint in germline precursor cells also depends on PCH-2. PCH-2 is enriched in germline precursor cells and this enrichment relies on conserved factors that induce asymmetry in the early embryo. Finally, the stronger checkpoint in germline precursor cells is regulated by CMT-1, the ortholog of p31comet, which is required for both PCH-2’s localization to unattached kinetochores and its enrichment in germline precursor cells. Thus, PCH-2, likely by regulating the availability of inactive Mad2 at and near unattached kinetochores, governs checkpoint strength. This role may be specifically relevant in scenarios where maintaining genomic stability is particularly challenging, such as in oocytes and early embryos enlarged for developmental competence and germline cells that maintain immortality.
Unity and diversity in working memory load: Evidence for the separability of the executive functions updating and inhibition using machine learning
Authors: Krumpe Tanja , Scharinger Christian , Rosenstiel Wolfgang , Gerjets Peter , Spüler Martin
Published: August 2018

Objective

According to current theoretical models of working memory (WM), executive functions (EFs) like updating, inhibition and shifting play an important role in WM functioning. The models state that EFs highly correlate with each other but also have some individual variance which makes them separable processes. Since this theory has mostly been substantiated with behavioral data like reaction time and the ability to execute a task correctly, the aim of this paper is to find evidence for diversity (unique properties) of the EFs updating and inhibition in neural correlates of EEG data by means of using brain-computer interface (BCI) methods as a research tool. To highlight the benefit of this approach we compare this new methodology to classical analysis approaches.

Methods

An existing study has been reinvestigated by applying neurophysiological analysis in combination with support vector machine (SVM) classification on recorded electroenzephalography (EEG) data to determine the separability and variety of the two EFs updating and inhibition on a single trial basis.

Results

The SVM weights reveal a set of distinct features as well as a set of shared features for the two EFs updating and inhibition in the theta and the alpha band power.

Significance

In this paper we find evidence that correlates for unity and diversity of EFs can be found in neurophysiological data. Machine learning approaches reveal shared but also distinct properties for the EFs. This study shows that using methods from brain-computer interface (BCI) research, like machine learning, as a tool for the validation of psychological models and theoretical constructs is a new approach that is highly versatile and could lead to many new insights.
Influence of temperature on the development, reproduction and regeneration in the flatworm model organismMacrostomum lignano
Authors: Wudarski Jakub , Ustyantsev Kirill , Glazenburg Lisa , Berezikov Eugene
Published: August 2018

The free-living marine flatwormMacrostomum lignanois a powerful model organism to study mechanisms of regeneration and stem cell regulation due to its convenient combination of biological and experimental properties, including the availability of transgenesis methods, which is unique among flatworm models. However, due to its relatively recent introduction in research, there are still many biological aspects of the animal that are not known. One of such questions is the influence of the culturing temperature onMacrostomumbiology. Here we systematically investigated how different culturing temperatures affect the development time, reproduction rate, regeneration, heat shock response, and gene knockdown efficiency by RNA interference inM. lignano.We used marker transgenic lines of the flatworm to accurately measure the regeneration endpoint and to establish the stress response threshold for temperature shock. We found that compared to the culturing temperature of 20°C commonly used forM. lignano, elevated temperatures of 25°C-30°C substantially speed-up the development and regeneration time and increase reproduction rate without detectable negative consequences for the animal, while temperatures above 30°C elicit a heat shock response.

We show that altering the temperature conditions can be used to shorten the time required to establishM. lignanocultures, store important lines and optimize the microinjection procedures for transgenesis. Our findings will help to optimize the design of experiments inM. lignanoand thus facilitate future research in this model organism.
Complete decoupling of bacterial growth from biopolymer production through proteolytic control of enzyme levels
Authors: Durante-Rodriguez Gonzalo , de Lorenzo Victor , Nikel Pablo Ivan
Published: August 2018

Most current methods for controlling the rate of formation of a key protein or enzyme in cell factories rely on the manipulation of target genes within the pathway. In this article, we present a novel synthetic system for post-translational regulation of protein levels, FENIX, which provides both independent control of the steady-state protein level and inducible accumulation of targeted proteins. The device is based on the constitutive, proteasome-dependent degradation of the target polypeptide by tagging with a short synthetic, hybrid NIa/SsrA amino acid sequence in the C-terminal domain. The protein degradation process can be reversed by activating the system via addition of an orthogonal inducer (e.g. 3-methylbenzoate) to the culture medium. The system was benchmarked in Escherichia coli by tagging two fluorescent proteins (GFP and mCherry) and further exploited for engineering poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) accumulation completely uncoupled from bacterial growth. By tagging PhaA (3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase, first step of the route), a dynamic metabolic switch at the acetyl-coenzyme A node was established in such a way that this metabolic precursor could be effectively directed into PHB formation upon activation of the system. The engineered E. coli strain reached a very high specific rate of PHB accumulation with a polymer content of ca. 72% (w/w) in glucose cultures set in the growth-decoupled mode. Thus, FENIX enables dynamic control of metabolic fluxes in bacterial cell factories by establishing post-translational synthetic switches in the pathway of interest.
IDH1R132Hacts as a tumor suppressor in glioma via epigenetic upregulation of the DNA damage response
Authors: Núñez Felipe J. , Mendez Flor M. , Kadiyala Padma , Alghamri Mahmoud S. , Savelieff Masha G. , Koschmann Carl , Calinescu Anda-Alexandra , Kamran Neha , Patel Rohin , Carney Stephen , Guo Marissa Z. , Garcia-Fabiani Maria B. , Haase Santiago , Edwards Marta , Ljungman Mats , Qin Tingting , Sartor Maureen A. , Tagett Rebecca , Venneti Sriram , Brosnan-Cashman Jacqueline , Meeker Alan , Gorbunova Vera , Zhao Lili , Kremer Daniel M. , Zhang Li , Lyssiotis Costas A. , Jones Lindsey , Herting Cameron J. , Ross James L. , Hambardzumyan Dolores , Hervey-Jumper Shawn , Figueroa Maria E. , Lowenstein Pedro R. , Castro Maria G.
Published: August 2018

One sentence summary

Mutant IDH1 acts as a tumor suppressor when co-expressed together with TP53 and ATRX inactivating mutations in glioma, inducing genomic stability, DNA repair and resistance to genotoxic therapies.

Glioma patients whose tumors carry a mutation in the Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1R132H) gene are younger at the time of diagnosis and survive longer. The molecular glioma subtype which we modelled, harbors IDH1R132H, tumor protein 53 (TP53) and alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) loss. The impact of IDH1R132Hon genomic stability, DNA damage response (DDR) and DNA repair in this molecular glioma subtype is unknown. We discovered that IDH1R132Hexpression in the genetic context of ATRX and TP53 inactivation: (i) increases median survival (MS), (ii) enhances DDR activity via epigenetic upregulation of Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) signaling, and (iii) elicits tumor radioresistance. Pharmacological inhibition of ATM or checkpoint kinase 1 and 2 (CHK1/2), two essential kinases in the DDR pathways, restored tumors’ radiosensitivity. Translation of these findings for mlDH1 glioma patients could significantly improve the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy, and thus have a major impact on patient survival.
Reactivation of time cell sequences in the hippocampus
Authors: Belchior Hindiael A. , Pavão Rodrigo , Furtunato Alan M.B. , Eichenbaum Howard , Tort Adriano B.L.
Published: August 2018

The temporal order of an experience is a fundamental property of episodic memories, yet the mechanism for the consolidation of temporal sequences in long-term memory is still unknown. A potential mechanism for memory consolidation depends on the reactivation of neuronal sequences in the hippocampus. Despite abundant evidence of sequence reactivation in the formation of spatial memory, the reactivation of hippocampal neuronal sequences carrying non-spatial information has been much less explored. In this work, we recorded the activity of time cell sequences while rats performed multiple 15-s treadmill runnings during the intertrial intervals of a spatial alternation memory task. We observed forward and reverse reactivations of time cell sequences often occurring during sharp-wave ripple events following reward consumption. Surprisingly, the reactivation events specifically engaged cells coding temporal information. The reactivation of time cell sequences may thus reflect the organization of temporal order required for episodic memory formation.
Ethyl 2-anilino-4-methyl-5-[5-methyl-1-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbonyl]thiophene-3-carboxylate
Authors: El-Hiti Gamal A. , Abdel-Wahab Bakr F. , Alotaibi Mohammad Hayal , Yousif Emad , Hegazy Amany S. , Kariuki Benson M.
Published: August 2018

The conformation of the title compound, C25H24N4O3S, is influenced by an intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond, which generates an S(6) ring. The twist angles between the planes through the toluyl, methyltriazole, thiophene and phenyl rings are 60.1 (1), 33.5 (1) and 39.9 (1)°, respectively. In the crystal, molecules are stacked along the a-axis direction with weak aromatic π–π stacking interactions occurring between the thiophene rings [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.7285 (15) Å].
Reassembly classification selection method based on the Markov Chain
Authors: Ge Maogen , Hu Jing , Liu Mingzhou , Zhang Yuan
Published: August 2018

Purpose

As the last link of product remanufacturing, reassembly process is of great importance in increasing the utilization of remanufactured parts as well as decreasing the production cost for remanufacturing enterprises. It is a common problem that a large amount of remanufactured part/reused part which past the dimension standard have been scrapped, which have increased the production cost of remanufacturing enterprises to a large extent. With the aim to improve the utilization of remanufacturing parts with qualified quality attributes but exceed dimension, the purpose of this paper is to put forward a reassembly classification selection method based on the Markov Chain.

Design/methodology/approach

To begin with, a classification standard of reassembly parts is proposed. With the thinking of traditional ABC analysis, a classification management method of reassembly parts for remanufactured engine is proposed. Then, a homogeneous Markov Chain of reassembly process is built after grading the matching dimension of reassembly parts with different variety. And the reassembly parts selection model is constructed based on the Markov Chain. Besides, the reassembly classification selection model and its flow chart are proposed by combining the researches above. Finally, the assembly process of remanufactured crankshaft is adopted as a representative example for illustrating the feasibility and the effectiveness of the method proposed.

Findings

The reassembly classification selection method based on the Markov Chain is an effective method in improving the utilization of remanufacturing parts/reused parts. The average utilization of remanufactured crankcase has increased from 35.7 to 80.1 per cent and the average utilization of reused crankcase has increased from 4.2 to 14 per cent as shown in the representative example.

Originality/value

The reassembly classification selection method based on the Markov Chain is of great importance in enhancing the economic benefit for remanufacturing enterprises by improving the utilization of remanufactured parts/reused parts.
Modelling and applications of conductive elements on textile materials
Authors: Pawlak Ryszard , Lebioda Marcin , Tomczyk Mariusz , Rymaszewski Jacek , Korzeniewska Ewa , Walczak Maria
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Passive conducting elements are the important parts of textronic systems. This paper aims to study a possibility of creating well-conducting and durable elements in textile materials by combining two technologies – physical vapour deposition (PVD) and laser patterning.

Design/methodology/approach

Thin conducting metallic layers on common fabrics do not provide satisfactory resistance to bending and stretching; therefore, selected textile composite materials have been proposed as a substrate. The conducting elements were produced in two stage process – deposition of thin metallic layer on textile composite and creating conducting elements by laser patterning. Laser ablation process was optimized using modelling in Comsol Multiphysics package. Properties of conducting structures were investigated experimentally and by modelling.

Findings

This paper confirms the correctness of the choice of the textile composite as a substrate for conducting elements. The results have shown that combining PVD deposition of thin metallic layer and controlled laser ablation allow creating passive elements such as resistors, inductive coils and heaters. Computer simulations conducted in the Comsol Multihysics environment enabled to determine the temperature distribution around the heaters and to describe the dynamics of its changes. The obtained results allow to shorten time of the optimization process of structures with different geometry and assumed temperature distribution.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research can be summarized as following: choosing of textile composites as substrates for conductive elements instead of textiles used so far in textronics; creating conductive structures on textile composites using combined technologies, PVD and laser patterning, for the first time; modelling of laser ablation process of thin metallic layer; and optimization of properties of conducting elements by computer modelling.
Optimal selection of coaxial ring systems in environmental electrostatic shielding
Authors: Raicevic Nebojsa B. , Aleksic Slavoljub R. , Hederic Željko , Barukcic Marinko , Iatcheva Ilona
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new calculation method for increasing the shielded volume in which the external electromagnetic field is maximally reduced. In a space shielded in the way mentioned in this paper, it is possible to introduce measurement instruments and increase the accuracy of results obtained with them, as well as reduce the risk of unwanted electrostatic field influence on living organisms.

Design/methodology/approach

A new numerical procedure for the optimization of the coaxial ring conductor system for electrostatic shielding is developed in the paper. The optimization of the functional that consists of electrostatic energy density and a system of equations derived from the equipotential character of the conductor system is used. The system of nonlinear equations is obtained and then numerically solved by minimizing this functional. The first presented optimization procedure is based on the analytical optimization method using the Lagrange coefficients and gradient of the objective function.

Findings

It is possible to design a large number of protective ring formations. Applying the differential evolution optimization method, an optimal arrangement can be obtained for any specific number of rings. The differential evolution optimization method, which belongs to the class of evolutionary algorithms, is used for solving this very complex optimization problem. In combination with the above-mentioned method, excellent results in the elimination of the external electric field have been obtained. Although a larger number of rings provides more efficient protection, this number is limited from the economic point of view. Therefore, it is necessary to achieve a compromise between the number of rings, the size of volume shielded and the quality of protection.

Research limitations/implications

There are few papers that address this problem, although the elimination of the influence of the external electromagnetic field has gained more importance lately. The presented method can be applied to increase the reliability of measured data, protection of the environment, in space research, etc. The main limiting factor for using a larger number of rings that provide better protection is the economical one.

Originality/value

The proposed method is suitable for the generalization of procedures, for the protection of the space where the external electric field needs to be reduced or eliminated.
Structural equation modelling for subcontracting practice: Malaysia chapter
Authors: Lew Yoke-Lian , Hassim Salihudin , Muniandy Ratnasamy , Hua Law Teik
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Most of the previous studies conducted on the subject of subcontractors often focussed on a single phase of subcontracting practice; either on registration, selection of subcontractors or on monitoring of subcontractors without much integration to other different phases involved. Thus, on the basis of that reason, the purpose of this paper is to link the gap between different phases of subcontracting practice. This study also attempts to explore the relationships between the key criteria used by general contractors in selecting subcontractors before job awarding (CSSC) and the key criteria used for monitoring subcontractors during construction work (CMSC); which will then include an investigation of the effects these criteria have on project performance (PP).

Design/methodology/approach

The data obtained from a total of 162 G7 contractors in Malaysia were analysed. The interrelationships between the criteria and the effects of these criteria on PP were investigated simultaneously by employing a single model based on structural equation modelling (SEM) method.

Findings

The final model has discovered four major criteria that are often considered during the selection of subcontractors namely, “communication”, “relationship”, “general obligation” and “resource management” of a subcontractor. Meanwhile, the major criteria that are referred to in the monitoring of subcontractors are “workmanship”, “awareness of environment, health and safety” and “communication and relationship”. The four CSSC were found to be interrelated among themselves and affected CMSC during the construction stage. The research also revealed that the criteria used in monitoring subcontractor do affect the performance of a project. Thus, based on the result of this investigation, the monitoring of subcontractor is essential in discerning the performance level of a project.

Originality/value

An established SEM improves a subcontracting practice by creating platforms for CSSC, CMSC and PP to influence each other. With the gap between selection and monitoring subcontractors are filled, then the prediction of the subcontractors’ performance can be made possible.
Survival strategies of built environment organisations in a challenging economy
Authors: Aghimien Douglas Omoregie , Aghimien Emmanuel Imuetiyan , Fadiyimu Akinlolu Oyebobola , Adegbembo Taiwo Fadeke
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The economic downturn in Nigeria calls for the need to appraise the survival strategies being adopted by organisations within the built environment, as it plays a major role in the development of every nation. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to appraise the survival strategies of organisations within the built environment, with a view to showcasing these strategies to ensure continuous survival of organisations within the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a survey approach, and construction professionals across the six geo-political zones of the country were sampled using structured questionnaire. Data gathered were analysed using percentage, Kruskal–Wallis H-test and factor analysis.

Findings

The study revealed that organisation- and workforce management-related strategies are the most adopted survival strategies in the country, as they have the highest factor loading and accounts for about 37 per cent of the total extracted factors. This is followed by the adoption of strategies relating to organisation’s innovation, diversification, financial management and organisation’s networking, the combination of which accounts for 27.5 per cent of all extracted factors.

Research limitations/implications

Findings of this study imply that although organisations within the built environment see the need for effective management of their organisation and workforce in a bid to survive in the harsh economic situation of the country, more need to be done as regards the other identified survival strategies, as they can help ensure the survival of these organisations.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge as it showcases the survival strategies being adopted by the different organisations within the built environment in the challenging Nigerian economy, as against the usual common practice of studying specific organisations within the industry.
Supply chain resilience: a systematic literature review and typological framework
Authors: Kochan Cigdem Gonul , Nowicki David R.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The study of supply chain resilience (SCRES) continues to gain interest in the academic and practitioner communities. The purpose of this paper is to present a focused review of the SCRES literature by investigating supply chain (SC) capabilities, their relationship to SCRES outcomes and the underpinning theoretical mechanisms of this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the systematic literature review approach to examine 383 articles published between 2000 and 2017, ultimately down selecting to the most relevant 228 peer-reviewed studies. Context-interventions-mechanisms-outcomes (CIMO) logic is applied to organize and synthesize these peer-reviewed studies. A typological framework is developed from the CIMO-based classification of the SCRES literature.

Findings

The findings of this study outline the gaps in the SCRES literature and present an agenda for future research.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents an exploratory research; therefore, the typological model presented is just one of the possible perspectives.

Practical implications

The typology of SCRES literature can help practitioners to understand SCRES and to measure and assess the resilience of SCs.

Originality/value

The paper provides clear definitions of SCRES constructs, develops a typological framework to further understand SCRES and identifies SCRES measures and assessment techniques.
Integrating KPIs for improving efficiency in road transport
Authors: García-Arca Jesús , Prado-Prado J. Carlos , Fernández-González Arturo J.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose and validate a framework for improving efficiency in road transport based on key performance indicators (KPIs) and personnel participation. The use of the “Overall Equipment Effectiveness” (OEE) indicator is widespread in factories. The framework adapts OEE to transport management.

Design/methodology/approach

Research was divided into two phases. The first phase included development of a participative framework, which was based on the authors’ experience and a literature review related to transport KPIs. The second phase involved the validation of the framework, adopting an “Action Research” approach by leading its implementation in a Spanish retailer.

Findings

Implementation of the framework has promoted more efficient transport in the company. The framework could be extrapolated to other companies, particularly, transport and parcel companies. By applying the “Action Research” approach it has been shown that researchers and practitioners can create knowledge by resolving problems that are of interest to both parties.

Research limitations/implications

The framework has been applied in one company and could achieve broader validation. Additionally, integrating only indicators of transport efficiency into the OEE proposal has meant that other perspectives, such as costs or the environment, have not been dealt with directly.

Originality/value

The framework is a new line of research applied to transport management. The academic and business contributions fall into three areas: transport management, organizational change and the methodology. There are few examples that illustrate “Action Research” adoption within the scope of supply chain management.
Oil film shape prediction of hydrostatic thrust bearing under the condition of high speed and heavy load
Authors: Yu Xiaodong , Zuo Xu , Liu Chao , Zheng Xuhang , Qu Hang , Yuan Tengfei
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Hydrostatic thrust bearing is a key component of the vertical CNC machining equipment, and often results in friction failure under the working condition of high speed and heavy load. The lubricating oil film becomes thin or breaks because of high speed and heavy load and it affects the high precision and stable operation of the vertical CNC machining equipment; hence, it is an effective way of avoiding friction failure for achieving the oil film shape prediction

Design/methodology/approach

For the hydrostatic thrust bearing with double rectangular cavities, researchers solve the deformation of the friction pairs in hydrostatic bearing by using the computation of hydrodynamics, elasticity theory, finite element method and fluid-thermal-mechanical coupled method. The deformation includes heat deformation and elasticity deformation, the shape of gap oil film is got according to the deformation of the friction pairs in hydrostatic bearing, and gets the shape of gap oil film, and determines the influencing factors and laws of the oil film shape, and achieves the prediction of oil film shape, and ascertains the mechanism of friction failure. An experimental verification is carried out.

Findings

Results show that the deformation of the rotational workbench is upturned along its radial direction under the working condition of high speed and heavy load. However, the deformation of the base is downturned along its radial direction and the deformation law of the gap oil film along the radius direction is estimated; the outer diameter is close but the inner diameter is divergent wedge.

Originality/value

The conclusion can provide a theoretical basis for the oil film control of hydrostatic thrust bearing and improve the stability of vertical CNC machining equipment.
What drives cloud ERP continuance? An integrated view
Authors: Cheng Yung-Ming
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the key antecedents of organizational users’ continuance intention of cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) by the integration of constructs from the expectation–confirmation model (ECM), technology acceptance model (TAM), theory of planned behavior (TPB), task-technology fit and TAM2.

Design/methodology/approach

Sample data for this study were collected from end users of cloud ERP working in companies in Taiwan. A total of 560 questionnaires were distributed in the 56 sample companies, and 395 (70.5 percent) usable questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling in this study.

Findings

Findings show that while compatibility and output quality are key antecedents of confirmation of expectations toward cloud ERP, compatibility still reveals overwhelming and more indirect impacts on users’ continuance intention of cloud ERP than output quality because output quality has significant but evidently lesser effects on perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use than compatibility.

Originality/value

First, this study contributes to the identification of compatibility and output quality that may reveal deep insights to the task-related factors in understanding users’ cloud ERP continuance greatly driven by their confirmation of expectations toward cloud ERP. Next, the empirical evidence on capturing the ECM, TAM and TPB for completely explaining the antecedents of users’ continued cloud ERP usage intention is well documented. Hence, this study’s findings have significantly shed light on the possible formulation of a richer post-adoption model.
Systemic risk and the organization of the financial system: overview
Authors: Wihlborg Clas
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Before providing an overview of the conference with the above title and this Special Issue, this paper aims to present a view of the meaning of systemic risk, factors that affect systemic risk and measures of systemic risk. Thereafter, the conference presentations and the papers in this issue are summarized.

Design/methodology/approach

Characteristics and measures of systemic risk are reviewed. Conference papers and presentations are summarized.

Findings

While some aspects of systemic risk of a financial institution can be measured, an important aspect associated with contagion through markets is not easily captured by simple measures.

Originality/value

The conference and the papers in this issue contribute to the policy debate about sources and characteristics of systemic risk.
Estimation of procurement costs incurred by public customers: a case study of a Russian region
Authors: Yakovlev Andrei , Balaeva Olga , Tkachenko Andrey
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to measure the cost of procurement because public procurement procedures prescribed by legislation not only enhance transparency and competition but also entail certain transaction costs for both customers and suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

These costs are important to the efficiency of the procurement system. However, very few previous studies have focused on estimating procurement costs. This paper proposes a methodology for public procurement cost evaluation.

Findings

This paper shows how procurement costs can be calculated using a formalized survey of public customers. This methodology was tested with a representative group of public customers operating in one region of the Russian Federation.

Originality/value

The authors formulate the policy implications of this paper, as they relate to the improvement of public procurement regulations and argue that this methodological approach can be applied in other developing and transitioning economies.
Optimum formulation derivation for the ultimate packing fraction using monodispersed particle sizes when optimizing suspension viscosities
Authors: Sudduth Richard D.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The importance of maximizing the particle packing fraction in a suspension by maximizing average particle size ratio of D5/D1 has been adequately shown to be important as previously reported in the literature. This study aims to extend that analysis to include the best formulation approach to maximize the packing fraction with a minimum number of monodisperse particle sizes.

Design/methodology/approach

An existing model previously developed by this author was modified theoretically to optimize the ratio used between consecutive monodisperse particle sizes. This process was found to apply to a broad range of particle configurations and applications. In addition, five different approaches for maximizing average particle size ratio D̅5/D̅1 were addressed for blending several different particle size distributions. Maximizing average particle size ratio D̅5/D̅1 has been found to result in an optimization of the packing fraction. Several new concepts were also introduced in the process of maximizing the packing fraction for these different approaches.

Findings

The critical part of the analysis to maximize the packing fraction with a minimum number of particles was the theoretical optimization of the ratio used between consecutive monodisperse particle sizes. This analysis was also found to be effectively independent of the maximum starting particle size. This study also clarified the recent incorrect claim in the literature that Furnas in 1931 was the first to generate the maximum theoretical packing fraction possible for n different particles that was actually originally developed in conjunction with the Sudduth generalized viscosity equation. In addition, the Furnas generated equation was also shown to give significantly different results from the Sudduth generated equation.

Research limitations/implications

Experimental data involving monodisperse particles of different blends with a minimum number of particle sizes that are truly monodisperse are often extremely difficult to obtain. However, the theoretical general concepts can still be applicable.

Practical implications

The expanded model presented in this article provides practical guidelines for blending pigments using a minimum number of monodisperse particle sizes that can yield much higher ratios of the particle size averages D̅5/D̅1 and thus potentially achieve significantly improved properties such as viscosity.

Originality/value

The model presented in this article provides the first apparent guidelines to control the blending of pigments in coatings by the optimization of the ratio used between consecutive monodisperse particle sizes. This analysis was also found to be effectively independent of the maximum starting particle size.
Preparation of dye-grafted-silica/poly(acrylate) color coatings with enhanced color stability at elevated temperatures
Authors: Chang Chao-Ching , Huang Feng-Hsi , Cheng Liao-Ping
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate (DPHA) and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate-modified silica nanoparticles (MSiO2) contents on the performances of the Disperse Red 1 (DR1)-grafted-silica/poly(acrylate) color hard coatings.

Design/methodology/approach

The organic dye DR1 was silylated by reaction with the coupling agent 3-isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane in methyl ethyl ketone. The silylated-DR1 thus obtained was grafted on MSiO2 to form dye-grafted silica (GSiO2). This hybrid dye was then UV-cured with the cross-linking agent, DPHA, to yield color coatings. Thermal durability of the coatings was evaluated based on their CIE (international commission on illumination) chromaticity coordinates and UV/Vis transmittances.

Findings

The results indicated that GSiO2-coatings could tolerate thermal attack better than pristine DR1-coatings or dye-absorbed silica (DSiO2)-coatings because of the fact that DR1 was more finely dispersed in the polymer binder when covalently bonded to the silica particles. Under optimal conditions, coatings with very small change of saturation and hue after high-temperature treatments were obtainable. These coatings appeared transparent, had 3H-6H pencil hardness and adhered perfectly onto the poly(methyl methacrylate) substrates.

Practical implications

Dye-grafted color coatings may find applications such as color filter photoresists for displays, microelectronics, printed circuit boards, etc.

Originality/value

The performances of the coatings were evaluated in terms of mechanical strength, adherence to the substrate, transmittance and color stability against heat treatments, which have not been disclosed. Also, using a newly developed triangular composition diagram, suitable ranges for preparing useful color coatings were accessed. The present method deserves further research studies on green and blue dyes.
Optimization of the color fastness and mechanical properties of pigment dyed PC fabric
Authors: Azeem Abdul , Abid Sharjeel , Sarwar Noman , Ali Shahzaib , Maqsood Ahsan , Masood Rashid , Hussain Tanveer
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to improve the mechanical properties and reduce the stiffness/harshness of fabric associated with the pigment dyeing of textiles.

Design/methodology/approach

The fabric was pigment dyed with the addition of three different softeners and binders. The fabric was then analyzed to have improved textile properties by measuring tear strength, bending length, crocking and washing fastness tests.

Findings

The conventional route of pigment dyeing (without any softener) imparted poor mechanical and rubbing fastness. The softener-added recipe provided better mechanical, rubbing and washing fastness, and the stiffness values were oppressed as well.

Practical implications

Because of reduced stiffness, increased fastness and mechanical properties, the use of softener with pigment dyeing can improve the market values and satisfaction of the dyed fabrics. The finished product would also have better life and endurance. The process can be modified easily to have a better end-product with a negligible cost addition in industrial process, as softeners are cheap and used in low (10-20 g/l) in industrial settings without affecting the required shades.

Originality/value

This is the first report, to the best of the author’s knowledge, on the optimization of pigment dyeing of PC fabric with the addition of Helizarin and perapret softeners in dyeing bath.
Complete lymph node dissection or observation in melanoma patients with multiple positive sentinel lymph nodes: A single‐center retrospective analysis
Authors: Persa Oana‐Diana , Knuever Jana , Mauch Cornelia , Schlaak Max
Published: August 2018

Although the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) as a prognostic factor is well established, its consequences for therapy are controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze if complete lymph node dissection (CLND) in patients with more than one positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) significantly improves melanoma‐specific survival (MSS) and progression‐free survival (PFS). Medical records of patients who underwent SLNB between 2001 and 2016 at the University Hospital of Cologne were reviewed, and patients with positive SLN were identified. Patient and tumor characteristics, patterns of recurrence, progression‐free and melanoma‐specific survival were analyzed. Seventy‐eight patients with multiple positive and 197 patients with one positive SLN were included in this study. Patients with multiple positive SLN had significantly more positive non‐SLN compared with patients with only one positive SLN (26.9% vs 8.6%, P = 0.01). However, in the subgroup of patients with multiple positive SLN, CLND did not significantly improve MSS (mean MSS 95 vs 75 months, P = 0.5) and PFS (mean PFS 59 vs 68 months P = 0.167). CLND did not result in a significant improvement in PFS and MSS in patients with multiple positive SLN.
How Lactobacillus plantarum shapes its transcriptome in response to contrasting habitats
Authors: Filannino Pasquale , De Angelis Maria , Di Cagno Raffaella , Gozzi Giorgia , Riciputi Ylenia , Gobbetti Marco
Published: August 2018

Triplets of Lactobacullus plantarum strains were isolated from nine contrasting habitats. Without any passage through other culture media, isolation and cultivation were on model media that strictly reproduced the chemical and physical conditions and stressors of the habitats of origin. Here, we demonstrated how L. plantarum regulates and shapes its transcriptome in response to contrasting habitats. Firstly, multivariate clustering analysis of transcriptional data (RNA‐Seq), complemented with metabolomics and phenomics, grouped the strains according to the habitats of origin. Subsequently, selected strains from each habitat switched to repeated cultivation on MRS medium and transcriptomes homogenized into a unique cluster. Adaptation to this common medium mainly relied on activation of genes for phage‐ and prophage‐related proteins and transposases. Finally, the comparison of growth across model media and with respect to MRS medium showed that 44% of the overall 3112 gene transcripts changed depending on the specific habitat. Regulation and shaping of transcriptomes mainly concerned carbohydrate acquisition, pyruvate catabolism, proteolytic system and amino acid, lipid and inorganic ion transport and metabolism, with contrasting responses for contrasting habitats. Pathways reconstruction demonstrated how the large genome size of L. plantarum imparts transcriptome and metabolic flexibility as the basic mechanism for a nomadic lifestyle.