bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fingerprints of cancer by persistent homology
Authors: Carpio A. , Bonilla L. L. , Mathews J. C. , Tannenbaum A. R.
Published: September 2019

We have carried out a topological data analysis of gene expressions for different databases based on the Fermat distance between the z scores of different tissue samples. There is a critical value of the filtration parameter at which all clusters collapse in a single one. This critical value for healthy samples is gapless and smaller than that for cancerous ones. After collapse in a single cluster, topological holes persist for larger filtration parameter values in cancerous samples. Barcodes, persistence diagrams and Betti numbers as functions of the filtration parameter are different for different types of cancer and constitute fingerprints thereof.
REPLICCAR II Study: Data Quality Audit in the Paulista Cardiovascular Surgery Registry
Authors: Maria Maglia Orlandi Bianca , VilcaMejia Omar Asdrubal , Goncharov Maxim , Rocha Kenji Nakahara , Bassolli Lucas , Lisboa Luiz AF , Dallan Luis AO , Jatene Fábio B
Published: September 2019

Background

Electronic health records databases are important sources of data for research and health practice. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of the data in REPLICCAR II, the Brazilian cardiovascular surgery database based in São Paulo State.

Study Design

The REPLICCAR II database contains data from 9 institutions in São Paulo, with more than 700 variables. We audited data entry at 6 months (n=107 records) and 1 year (n=2229 records) after the start of data collection. We present a modified Aggregate Data Quality Score (ADQ) for 30 variables in this analysis.

Results

The agreement between the data independently entered by a database operator and a researcher was good for categorical data (Cohen κ = 0.70, 95%CI 059, 0.83). For continuous data, the intraclass coefficient was high for all variables, with only 2 of 15 continuous variables having an ICC of less than 0.90. In an indirect audit, 74% of the selected variables (n = 23) showed a good ADQ score, regarding completeness and reliability.

Conclusions

Data entry in the REPLICCAR II database is satisfactory and can provide accurate and reliable data for research in cardiovascular surgery in Brazil.
Evidence of capacitation in the parasitoid wasp,Nasonia vitripennisand its potential role in sex allocation
Authors: Jones A.R.C. , Mallon E.B.
Published: September 2019

The allocation of resources to the production of one sex or another has been observed in a large variety of animals. Its theoretical basis allows accurate predictions of offspring sex ratios in many species, but the mechanisms by which sex allocation is controlled are poorly understood. Using previously published data we investigated if alternative splicing, combined with differential expression, were involved with sex allocation in the parasitoid wasp,Nasonia vitripennis. We found that sex allocation is not controlled by alternative splicing but changes in gene expression, that were identified to be involved with oviposition, were shown to be similar to those involved in sperm motility, and capacitation. Genes involved in Cholesterol efflux, a key component of capacitation, along with calcium transport, trypsin and MAPKinase activity were regulated in ovipositing wasps. The results show evidence for regulation of sperm motility and of capacitation in an insect which, in the context of the physiology of theN. vitripennisspermatheca, could be important for sex allocation.
Unconscious learning and automatic inhibition are accompanied by frontal theta and sensorimotor interactions
Authors: Isabella Silvia L. , Cheyne J. Allan , Cheyne Douglas
Published: September 2019

Cognitive control of behavior is often accompanied by theta-band activity in the frontal cortex, and is crucial for overriding habits and producing desired actions. However, the functional role of theta activity in controlled behavior remains to be determined. Here, we used a behavioral task (Isabella et al., 2019) that covertly manipulated the ability to inhibit (and switch) motor responses using a repeating pattern of stimuli that reduced reaction times (RT) to probable over unexpected stimuli, without participants’ awareness of the pattern. We combined this task with concurrent measures of brain activity and pupil diameter (as a measure of cognitive activity) of 16 healthy adults during response preparation and inhibition during changes in stimulus probability. Observed RT provided evidence of pattern learning and pupillometry revealed parametric changes in cognitive activity with stimulus probability. Critically, reliable pupillary effects (Hedge’s g = 1.38) in the absence of RT differences (g = 0.10) indicated that cognitive activity increased without overt changes in behavior (RT). Such increased cognitive activity was accompanied by parametric increases in frontal theta and sensorimotor gamma. In addition, correlation between pre-stimulus beta and pre-response gamma in the motor cortex and post-stimulus frontal theta activity suggest bidirectional interactions between motor and frontal areas. These interactions likely underlie recruitment of preparatory and inhibitory neural activity during rapid motor control. Furthermore, pupillary and frontal theta effects during learned switches demonstrate that increases in inhibitory control of behavior can occur automatically, without conscious awareness.

Significance Statement

Goal-directed control is crucial for overriding habits and producing desired actions, which can fail during errors and accidents, and may be impaired in addiction, attention-deficit disorders, or dementia. This type of control, including response inhibition, is typically accompanied by frontal theta-band activity. We examined the relationship between frontal theta and response inhibition during unconscious pattern learning. First, we found that frontal activity was sensitive to changes in control and correlated with reaction times. Second, insufficient motor preparation predicted greater frontal activity, reflecting a greater need for control, which in turn predicted greater response-related motor activity. These results link the frontal and motor cortices, providing possible mechanisms for controlled behavior while demonstrating that goal-directed control can proceed automatically and unconsciously.
Nuclear bundle/cable containing actin during yeast meiosis
Authors: Takagi Tomoko , Osumi Masako , Shinohara Akira
Published: September 2019

Actin polymerizes to form filaments/cables for motility, transport, and structural framework in a cell. Recent studies show that actin polymers are present not only in cytoplasm, but also in nuclei of vertebrate cells, and their formation is induced in response to stress. Here, by electron microscopic observation with rapid freezing and high-pressure freezing, we found a unique bundled structure containing actin in nuclei of budding yeast cells undergoing meiosis. The nuclear bundle/cable during meiosis consists of multiple filaments with a rectangular lattice arrangement often showing “feather-like” appearance. The bundle is immuno-labeled with anti-actin antibody and sensitive to an actin-depolymerizing drug. Like cytoplasmic bundles, nuclear bundles with actin are rarely seen in pre-meiotic cells and spores, and are induced during meiotic prophase-I. The formation of the nuclear bundles/cables is independent of meiotic DNA double-stranded breaks. We speculate that nuclear bundles/cables containing actin play a role in nuclear events during meiotic prophase I.
Prostaglandin D2Signaling is Not Involved in the Recovery of Rat Hindlimb Tendons from Injury
Authors: Sarver Dylan C , Sugg Kristoffer B , Talarek Jeffrey R , Swanson Jacob B , Oliver David J , Hinken Aaron C , Kramer Henning F , Mendias Christopher L
Published: September 2019

Injured tendons heal through the formation of a fibrovascular scar that has inferior mechanical properties compared to native tendon tissue. Reducing inflammation that occurs as a result of the injury could limit scar formation and improve functional recovery of tendons. Prostaglandin D2(PGD2) plays an important role in promoting inflammation in some injury responses and chronic disease processes, and the inhibition of PGD2has improved healing and reduced disease burden in animal models and early clinical trials. Based on these findings, we sought to determine the role of PGD2signaling in the healing of injured tendon tissue. We tested the hypothesis that a potent and specific inhibitor of hematopoietic PGD synthase (HPGDS), GSK2894631A, would improve the recovery of tendons of adult male rats following an acute tenotomy and repair. To test this hypothesis, we performed a full-thickness plantaris tendon tenotomy followed by immediate repair and treated rats twice daily with either 0mg/kg, 2mg/kg, or 6mg/kg of GSK2894631A. Tendons were collected either 7 or 21 days after surgical repair, and mechanical properties of tendons were assessed along with RNA sequencing and histology. While there were some differences in gene expression across groups, the targeted inhibition of HPGDS did not impact the functional repair of tendons after injury as HPGDS expression was surprisingly low in injured tendons. These results indicate that PGD2signaling does not appear to be important in modulating the repair of injured tendon tissue.
Layer-specific sensory processing impairment in the primary somatosensory cortex after motor cortex infarction
Authors: Fukui Atsushi , Osaki Hironobu , Ueta Yoshifumi , Muragaki Yoshihiro , Kawamata Takakazu , Miyata Mariko
Published: September 2019

Primary motor cortex (M1) infarction occasionally causes sensory impairment. Because sensory signal plays an important role in motor control, sensory impairment compromises recovery and rehabilitation from motor disability. Despite the importance of sensory-motor integration for rehabilitation after M1 infarction, the neural mechanism of the sensory impairment is poorly understood. We show that the sensory processing in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) was impaired in the acute phase of M1 infarction and recovered in a layer-specific manner in the subacute phase. This layer dependent recovery process and the anatomical connection pattern from M1 to S1 suggested the functional connectivity from M1 to S1 plays a key role in the impairment of sensory processing in S1. The simulation study demonstrated that the loss of inhibition from M1 to S1 in the acute phase of M1 infarction could cause the sensory processing impairment in S1, and the complementation of inhibition could recover the temporal coding. Taken together, we revealed how focal stroke of M1 alters cortical network activity of sensory processing, in which inhibitory input from M1 to S1 may be involved.
Triceps surae torque-length relationships relevant for walking activity levels with and without an ankle exoskeleton
Authors: Hessel Anthony L. , Raiteri Brent J. , Marsh Michael J. , Hahn Daniel
Published: September 2019

Ankle exoskeletons have been developed to assist walking by offloading the plantar flexors work requirements, which reduces muscle activity level. However, reduced muscle activity alters plantar flexor muscle-tendon unit dynamics in a way that is poorly understood. We therefore evaluated torque-fascicle length properties of the soleus and lateral gastrocnemius during voluntary contractions at simulated activity levels typical during late stance with and without an ankle exoskeleton. Soleus activity levels (100, 30, and 22% maximal voluntary activity) were produced by participants via visual electromyography feedback at ankle angles ranging from −10° plantar flexion to 35° dorsiflexion. Using dynamometry and ultrasound imaging, torque-fascicle length data of the soleus and lateral gastrocnemius were produced. The results indicate that muscle activity reductions observed with an exoskeleton shift the torque-angle and torque-fascicle length curves to more dorsiflexed ankle angles and longer fascicle lengths where no descending limb is physiologically possible. This shift is in line with previous simulations that predicted a similar increase in the operating fascicle range when wearing an exoskeleton. These data suggest that a small reduction in muscle activity causes changes to torque-fascicle length properties, which has implications for the design and testing of future ankle exoskeletons for assisted walking.

Significance Statement

Assistive lower-limb exoskeletons reduce the metabolic cost of walking by reducing the positive work requirements of the plantar flexor muscles. However, if the exoskeleton reduces plantar flexor muscle activity too much, then the metabolic benefit is lost. The biological reasons for this are unclear and hinder further exoskeleton development. This research study is the first to directly evaluate if a reduction in plantar flexor muscle activity similar to that caused by wearing an exoskeleton affects muscle function. We found that reduced muscle activity changes the torque-length properties of two plantar flexors, which could explain why reducing muscle activity too much can increase metabolic cost.
Noncoding microdeletion in mouseHgfdisrupts neural crest migration into the stria vascularis, reduces the endocochlear potential and suggests the neuropathology for human nonsyndromic deafness DFNB39
Authors: Morell Robert J. , Olszewski Rafal , Tona Risa , Leitess Samuel , Schultz Julie M. , Thomason Elizabeth J. , Whitley Brittany N. , Hill Connor , Saunders Thomas , Starost Matthew F. , Fitzgerald Tracy , Wilson Elizabeth , Ohyama Takahiro , Friedman Thomas B. , Hoa Michael
Published: September 2019

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a multifunctional protein that signals through the MET receptor. HGF stimulates cell proliferation, cell dispersion, neuronal survival and wound healing. In the inner ear, levels of HGF must be fine-tuned for normal hearing. In mouse, a deficiency of HGF expression limited to the auditory system, or over-expression of HGF, cause neurosensory deafness. In human, noncoding variants inHGFare associated with nonsyndromic deafnessDFNB39. However, the mechanism by which these noncoding variants causes deafness was unknown. Here, we reveal the cause of this deafness using a mouse model engineered with a noncoding intronic 10bp deletion (del10) inHgf, which is located in the 3’UTR of a conserved short isoform (Hgf/NK0.5). Mice homozygous for del10 exhibit moderate-to-profound hearing loss at four weeks of age as measured by pure-tone auditory brainstem responses (ABRs). The wild type +80 millivolt endocochlear potential (EP) was significantly reduced in homozygous del10 mice compared to wild type littermates. In normal cochlea, EPs are dependent on ion homeostasis mediated by the stria vascularis (SV). Previous studies showed that developmental incorporation of neural crest cells into the SV depends on signaling from HGF/MET. We show by immunohistochemistry that in del10 homozygotes, neural crest cells fail to infiltrate the developing SV intermediate layer. Phenotyping and RNAseq analyses reveal no other significant abnormalities in other tissues. We conclude that, in the inner ear, the noncoding del10 mutation inHgfleads to dysfunctional ion homeostasis in the SV and a loss of EP, recapitulating human DFNB39 deafness.

Significance Statement

Hereditary deafness is a common, clinically and genetically heterogeneous neurosensory disorder. Previously we reported that human deafness DFNB39 is associated with noncoding variants in the 3’UTR of a short isoform ofHGFencoding hepatocyte growth factor. For normal hearing, HGF levels must be fined-tuned as an excess or deficiency of HGF cause deafness in mouse. Using aHgfmutant mouse with a small 10 base pair deletion recapitulating a human DFNB39 noncoding variant, we demonstrate that neural crest cells fail to migrate into the stria vascularis intermediate layer, resulting in a significantly reduced endocochlear potential, the driving force for sound transduction by inner ear hair cells. HGF-associated deafness is a neurocristopathy but, unlike many other neurocristopathies, it is not syndromic.
Amyloid duration is associated with preclinical cognitive decline and tau PET
Authors: Koscik Rebecca L. , Betthauser Tobey J. , Jonaitis Erin M. , Allison Samantha L. , Clark Lindsay R. , Hermann Bruce P. , Cody Karly A. , Engle Jonathan W. , Barnhart Todd E. , Stone Charles K. , Chin Nathaniel A. , Carlsson Cynthia M. , Asthana Sanjay , Christian Bradley T. , Johnson Sterling C.
Published: September 2019

INTRODUCTION

This study applies a novel algorithm to longitudinal amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to identify age-heterogeneous amyloid trajectory groups, estimate the age and duration (chronicity) of amyloid positivity, and investigate chronicity in relation to cognitive decline and tau burden.

METHODS

Cognitively unimpaired participants (n=257) underwent 1-4 amyloid PET scans. Group-based trajectory modeling was applied to participants with longitudinal scans (n=171) to identify and model amyloid trajectory groups, which were combined with Bayes’ theorem to estimate age and chronicity of amyloid positivity. Relationships between chronicity, cognition, clinical progression and tau PET (MK-6240) were investigated using regression models.

RESULTS

Chronicity explained more heterogeneity in amyloid binding than age and binary amyloid status. Chronicity was associated with faster cognitive decline, increased risk of abnormal cognition, and higher entorhinal tau.

DISCUSSION

Amyloid chronicity provides unique information about cognitive decline and neurofibrillary tangle development and may be useful to investigate preclinical AD.
SAMPL: The Spreading Activation and Memory PLasticity Model
Authors: Sievers Beau , Momennejad Ida
Published: September 2019

We present the Spreading Activation and Memory PLasticity Model (SAMPL), a computational model of how memory retrieval changes memories. SAMPL restructures memory networks as a function of spreading activation and plasticity. Memory networks are represented as graphs of items in which edge weights capture the strength of association between items. When an item is retrieved, activation spreads across nodes depending on edge weights and the strength of initial activation. A non-monotonic plasticity rule, in turn, updates edge weights following activation. SAMPL simulates human memory phenomena across a number of experiments including retrieval induced forgetting, context-based memory enhancement, and memory synchronization in conversational networks. Our results have implications for theorizing memory disorders such as PTSD and designing computationally assisted conversational therapy.
Listing candidate diagnostic markers and transcriptomic exploration of the molecular basis of a type of male infertility (Non-Obstructive Azoospermia), via next generation sequencing methods
Authors: Govindkumar Balagannavar , Kavyashree Basavaraju , Bajpai Akhilesh Kumar , Davuluri Sravanthi , Shruthi Kannan , Vasan SS , Madhusudhan M , Chandrasekhar Darshan S , Neelima Chitturi , Vashishtkumar Balagannavar , Sailaja Oguru , Acharya Kshitish K
Published: September 2019

Studying the molecular basis of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA), a type of male infertility with failed spermatogenesis at various stages, can also help in exploring molecular basis of human spermatogenesis and possibly pave way to identify new targets for male contraceptive development. Hence, we initiated a functional genomics study by applying RNA-seq. Testicular biopsies collected from donors with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA), Obstructive Azoospermia (OA), Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens (CBAVD), and Varicocele (VA) conditions. Strong association of 100+ genes with human spermatogenesis and NOA has been detected via NGS-based transcriptomic analysis. In addition, 20 RNA molecules have been short-listed for potential diagnostic applications (non-obstructive azoospermia vs. obstructive azoospermia, varicocele or normal). A hierarchical list of several genes and alternatively spliced mRNAs, transcribed differentially in NOA, is reported - based on a ‘strength of association’. Such association with NOA, spermatogenesis or both is a new finding for many genes as revealed by a comparison with a newly prepared comprehensive list of genes having such association with human spermatogenesis/NOA. Many top-ranking genes involved in viral gene expression were up-regulated in testes from NOA-patients, while those associated with an antiviral mechanism were down-regulated. A tangential finding: while most well-established control mRNAs did not qualify, two new ones worked best in RT-qPCR experiments. Needle-aspiration of testicular biopsies, followed by the use of short-listed promising candidate biomarkers (i.e., 16 mRNA & 4 chimeric transcripts) and control mRNAs in RT-qPCR-based diagnostic assays, may help to avoid open surgeries in future.
Prediction error signaling explains neuronal mismatch responses in the medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Casado-Román Lorena , Carbajal Guillermo V. , Pérez-González David , Malmierca Manuel S.
Published: September 2019

The mismatch negativity (MMN) is a key biomarker of automatic deviance detection thought to emerge from two cortical sources. First, the auditory cortex (AC) encodes spectral regularities and reports frequency-specific deviances. Then, more abstract representations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) allow to detect contextual changes of potential behavioral relevance. However, the precise location and time asynchronies between neuronal correlates underlying this fronto-temporal network remain unclear and elusive. Our study presented auditory oddball paradigms along with ‘no-repetition’ controls to record mismatch responses in neuronal spiking activity and local field potentials at the rat medial PFC. Whereas mismatch responses in the auditory system are mainly induced by stimulus-dependent effects, we found that auditory responsiveness in the PFC was driven by unpredictability, yielding context-dependent, comparatively delayed, more robust and longer-lasting mismatch responses mostly comprised of prediction error signaling activity. This characteristically different composition discarded that mismatch responses in the PFC could be simply inherited or amplified downstream from the auditory system. Conversely, it is more plausible for the PFC to exert top-down influences on the AC, since the PFC exhibited flexible and potent predictive processing, capable of suppressing redundant input more efficiently than the AC. Remarkably, the time course of the mismatch responses we observed in the spiking activity and local field potentials of the AC and the PFC combined coincided with the time course of the large-scale MMN-like signals reported in the rat brain, thereby linking the microscopic, mesoscopic and macroscopic levels of automatic deviance detection.
White matter microstructure predicts focal and broad functional brain dedifferentiation in normal aging
Authors: Rieck Jenny R. , Rodrigue Karen M. , Park Denise C. , Kennedy Kristen M.
Published: September 2019

Ventral visual cortex exhibits highly organized and selective patterns of functional activity associated with visual processing. However, this specialization decreases in normal aging, with functional responses to different visual stimuli becoming more similar with age, a phenomenon termed “dedifferentiation”. The current study tested the hypothesis that age-related degradation of the inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), a white matter pathway involved in visual perception, could account for dedifferentiation of both localized and distributed brain activity in ventral visual cortex. Participants included 281 adults, ages 20-89, from the Dallas Lifespan Brain Study who underwent diffusion-weighted imaging to measure white matter diffusivity, as well as functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure functional selectivity to viewing photographs from different categories (e.g., faces, houses). In general, decreased ILF anisotropy significantly predicted both focal and broad functional dedifferentiation. Specifically, there was a localized effect of structure on function, such that decreased anisotropy in a smaller mid-fusiform region of ILF predicted less selective (i.e., more dedifferentiated) response to viewing faces in a proximal face-responsive region of fusiform. On the other hand, the whole ILF predicted less selective response across broader ventral visual cortex for viewing animate (e.g., human faces, animals) versus inanimate (e.g., houses, chairs) images. This structure-function relationship became weaker with age and was no longer significant after age 70. These findings indicate that decreased white matter anisotropy is associated with maladaptive differences in proximal brain function and is an important variable to consider when interpreting age differences in functional selectivity.
The structure of behavioral variation within a genotype
Authors: Werkhoven Zach , Bravin Alyssa , Skutt-Kakaria Kyobi , Reimers Pablo , Pallares Luisa F. , Ayroles Julien , Bivort Benjamin de
Published: September 2019

Individual animals vary in their behaviors. This is true even when they share the same genotype and were reared in the same environment. Clusters of covarying behaviors constitute behavioral syndromes, and an individual’s position along such axes of covariation is a representation of their personality. Despite these conceptual frameworks, the structure of behavioral covariation within a genotype is essentially uncharacterized and its mechanistic origins unknown. Passing hundreds of inbredDrosophilaindividuals through an experimental pipeline that captured hundreds of behavioral measures, we found correlations only between sparse pairs of behaviors. Thus, the space of behavioral variation has many independent dimensions. Manipulating the physiology of the brain, and specific neural populations, altered specific correlations. We also observed that variation in gene expression can predict an individual’s position on some behavior axes. This work represents the first steps in understanding the biological mechanisms determining the structure of behavioral variation within a genotype.
Regional epigenetic differentiation of the Z Chromosome between sexes in a female heterogametic system
Authors: Sun Dan , Maney Donna L. , Layman Thomas S. , Chatterjee Paramita , Yi Soojin V.
Published: September 2019

In male heterogametic systems, the X Chromosome is epigenetically differentiated between males and females, to facilitate dosage compensation. For example, the X Chromosome in female mammals is largely inactivated. Relative to well-studied male heterogametic systems, the extent of epigenetic differentiation between male and female Z Chromosomes in female heterogametic species, which often lack complete dosage compensation, is poorly understood. Here, we examined the chromosomal DNA methylation landscapes of male and female Z Chromosomes in two distantly related avian species, namely chicken and white-throated sparrow. We show that, in contrast to the pattern in mammals, male and female Z Chromosomes in these species exhibit highly similar patterns of DNA methylation, which is consistent with weak or absent dosage compensation. We further demonstrate that the epigenetic differences between male and female chicken Z Chromosomes are localized to a few regions, including a previously identified male hypermethylated region 1 (MHM1; CGNC: 80601). We discovered a novel region with elevated male-to-female methylation ratios on the chicken Z Chromosome (male hypermethylated region 2 [MHM2]; CGNC: 80602). The MHM1 and MHM2, despite little sequence similarity between them, bear similar molecular features that are likely associated with their functions. We present evidence consistent with female hypomethylation of MHMs and up-regulation of nearby genes. Therefore, despite little methylation differentiation between sexes, extremely localized DNA methylation differences between male and female chicken Z Chromosomes have evolved and affect expression of nearby regions. Our findings offer new insights into epigenetic regulation of gene expression between sexes in female heterogametic systems.
Contingencies of self-worth in adolescents with ASD and their correlation with subjective adjustment to school
Authors: Ogawa Shuhei , Kojima Michio
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to validate the Contingencies of Self-Worth Scale (CSWS) for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing individuals and, second, examine the association between contingencies of self-worth and subjective adjustment to school.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-report was used to examine both contingencies of self-worth and subjective adjustment to school in adolescents with ASD and typically developing individuals.

Findings

First, the validity and reliability of the CSWS was verified. Second, the scale was not significant correlation with subjective adjustment to school and contingencies of self-worth in adolescents with ASD. As the reason for this, it has been suggested that there are adaptive aspects and maladaptive aspects in contingencies of self-worth.

Originality/value

This is an original research designed to examine contingencies of self-worth in adolescents with ASD.
Changing socio-spatial systems of urban living in twentieth century Iraq
Authors: Al-Thahab Ali Aumran , Abdelmonem Mohamed Gamal
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Traditional architecture and urban form is a harmonious and interrelated blend of social relations, cultural beliefs and religious principles forming coherent spatial organisation living in harmony despite diversity of religious beliefs, social class or cultural practices of different communities. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the theoretical background of social cohesion and solidarity in the everyday life of the Mahalla with reference to its religious background in Islam.

Design/methodology/approach

The study of Beit Hadawi and Beit Hammadi el-Hassan as distinct evidences of prominent families within the boundaries of Mahallat El Mahdia in Old Hilla offers an empirical investigation on how values of the past informed and, to some extent, governed the very organic organisation of interlocking residential units in Iraq.

Findings

It investigates the architecture of home and the spatial organisation of Mahalla’s social activities through highlighting the effect of previous factors in creating a responsive environment that sustained its operational mechanism and fluidity over centuries.

Originality/value

This paper examines how previous values, traditions and rituals are behind the organic tissue of traditional quarters and thus providing an effective criterion to be considered when discussing sustainable development or creating a responsive environment in societies with exceptional privacy.
Asylum: A Place of Refuge
Authors: Osama Marwah
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Mental health disorders, namely, anxiety and depression, have reached an unprecedented peak; recent research demonstrates that these disorders have increased by 70 per cent over the last 25 years. Additionally, developments in the field of environmental psychology have elicited that the built environment is a crucial factor affecting mental health. It is, therefore, necessary for architects to address the issue when designing, thereby using a holistic approach to promote general well-being. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The project, Asylum: A Place of Refuge, seeks to create a reinterpretation of the eighteenth century asylum, through which the intervention of nature – vast pastures and bucolic settings – believed it had the power to cure the human psyche while, simultaneously, offering redemption. This paper examines the project in relation to multiple books and readings conducted prior and while designing. These references, many of which are considered staples in the field, refer to the important role and impact architecture and landscape have on mental health. Additionally, it discusses the ways architects can consciously design to promote physiological well-being and ensure positive psychological experience through adoption of a comprehensive approach that bridges the gap between the body and mind. Finding sources related to environmental psychology was also crucial as the research conducted in this field provides scientific reasoning to support design decisions.

Findings

By employing strategies from the readings as well as creating a stimulating space that challenges the conception of architecture, the project: Asylum: A Place of Refuge, was born. The use of a powerful, specific and emotive language inherent to the setting as well as a constant relationship between nature and the built environment creates a safe haven for people to resort to, away from the pressures and stresses of everyday life amplified by bustling cities. The ethos of the project is essentially inspired upon Ebenezer Howard’s concept introduced in his book, Garden Cities of Tomorrow, where he states that “human society and the beauty of nature are meant to be enjoyed together. The two must be made one” (Howard, p. 48).

Research limitations/implications

The application and the validity of the project are limited to a conceptual proposal leading to speculative results. Although the research paper is based on architecture-related readings and research conducted in the field of environmental psychology, to verify how this project would function in a real-world setting, it is essential to build it.

Social implications

Applying these findings and this approach to architecture can enhance the quality of life. These ideas can be applied to many different building types including, but not limited to, living spaces, workplaces and recreational spaces.

Originality/value

This paper is based on an architecture project that was created by the author as part of their undergraduate thesis. As a result, this paper and proposal is fully original.
Data-driven capabilities, supply chain integration and competitive performance
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Wang Mingzheng
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of data-driven capabilities on supply chain integration (SCI) and competitive performance of firms in the food and beverages (F & B) industry in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt the structural equation modeling approach to test the proposed hypotheses using AMOS 23. Survey data were collected from 240 firms in the F & B industry in Pakistan.

Findings

The results revealed that SCI (i.e. internal integration (II) and external integration (EI)) significantly mediates the effect of data-driven capabilities (i.e. flexible information technology resources and data assimilation) on a firm’s competitive performance. In addition to the direct effects, II also has an indirect effect on competitive performance through EI.

Practical implications

The study has several implications for managers in the context of big data application in food supply chain management (FSCM) in a developing country context. The study posits that firms can achieve excellence in performance by governing data-driven supply chain operations. The study also has implications for distributors and importers in the F & B industry. The cloud-based sharing of data can improve the operational performance of channel members while reducing their overall cost of operations. In practice, food franchises largely get the advantage of shared resources of their suppliers in managing orders, payments, inventory and after-sales services.

Originality/value

The study is novel and deepens the understanding about the use of big data in FSCM keeping in view the industry trends and stakeholder’s priorities in a developing country context.
Speaking up when values are aligned
Authors: Weber Todd J. , Avey James B.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of both value congruence between employees and supervisors as well as the important role of employee voice for optimal outcomes in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A heterogeneous sample of 495 working adults across business sectors completed instruments on value fit, voice, citizenship behaviors, commitment and psychological well-being.

Findings

Results suggest when employees experience value fit with their immediate supervisor, they express voice in organizations. Employee voice partially mediated the effects of value congruence on citizenship behaviors, commitment and psychological well-being.

Originality/value

While it is common for employees and supervisors to share and observe personal values at work, few studies have considered the effects of alignment between these values. Further, this is one of the very few studies that have considered the employee consequences of this value congruence.
Employee turnover: features and perspectives
Authors: Lyons Paul , Bandura Randall
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This viewpoint provides the individual manager or supervisor with foundational information in order to better grasp the critical aspects of employee interest in leaving or staying on the job, and some suggestions for influencing talented employees to stay with the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Design involves two distinct features. First, a comprehensive review of empirical research on the topics of turnover and turnover intention helps to identify and then summarize the most agreed-upon characteristics that define employee turnover. Second, relying upon published reports and empirical research the intention is to identify those interventions a manager or supervisor may undertake to counter turnover among valued employees.

Findings

The reviews undertaken led to several motivators or stimuli that encouraged an employee to leave or stay with an organization. It was discovered that turnover is much more complex than matters relating to job satisfaction, compensation, or an undesirable boss. The various motivators for leaving or staying present several opportunities for managerial intervention aimed at retaining talented employees.

Originality/value

The value of this viewpoint is the concise presentation of the critical aspects of a work environment that influence an employee to stay or leave an organization. These aspects are expressed such that a manager or supervisor is guided about actions to take to enhance the retention of desirable employees.
Locate the warehouse: super distribution services
Authors: Qazi Asad Ali , Shaikh Abdul Rehman , Shahzad Farhan , Sattar Muhammad Muzamil
Published: September 2019

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: to understand the strategic importance of location selection within the organization and how it influences other’s performance; to understand the impact of supply chain drivers on sales performance and to understand the role of other stakeholders in location selection strategy; to analyze the constraints in decision-making for selection of warehouse location and its remedies; to analyze the alternative options for warehouse in the light of top level management’s instruction or organizational strategies; to select the best possible alternate for long-term sustainability of warehouse location.

Case overview/synopsis

Ishaq Bashir, who has recently joined Super Distribution Services as Facility Manager, is indecisive in selecting a rental location for its offices and warehouse, either SDS had to move back to the old location or continue with existing warehouse facility. This existing location was selected by Ex Facility Manager around six months ago because SDS had to vacate their old location due to graving concern the owner of the premises. SDS had to search for a new facility and vacate the older premises within three months’ time as per “evacuation notice” received from the owner, and finally, the company shifted to the new location by 28 February 2017. After six months in September 2017, sales team realized a serious dip in sales by 1 per cent, and they claimed that this had happened due to wrong selection of the location of the warehouse which was far from the city. Now Bashir had to decide either to continue with the existing facility or move to the previous one or search for any third feasible location.

Complexity academic level

BBA and MBA.

Supplementary materials

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

Subject code

CSS 9: Operations and Logistics.
Linking perceptions of organizational support to temporary agency workers’ well-being
Authors: Lopes Sílvia , Chambel Maria José , Cesário Francisco
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This research focused on agency work. Previous studies highlighted the importance of motivations to understand workers’ attitudes, behaviors and well-being. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the contribution of perceptions of support from organizations to autonomous motivation for temporary agency employment, the relationship of motivations with workers’ well-being and the mediating role of motivations between perceptions of organizational support (POS) and workers’ well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested with a sample of 3,983 temporary agency workers and using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The authors verified that POS from the agency contributed to both autonomous motivation and controlled motivation for temporary agency employment, whereas POS from the client company only contributed to autonomous motivation for temporary agency employment. Moreover, autonomous motivation for temporary agency employment was positively associated with workers’ well-being. Contrary to expectations, controlled motivation for temporary agency employment was not significantly associated with workers’ well-being. As predicted, autonomous motivation for temporary agency employment was a mediator in the relationship between POS and workers’ well-being.

Research limitations/implications

The study relies on self-reported data, and it does not have a longitudinal design.

Practical implications

An important implication of this research study is that organizations, through the support provided to the workers, may contribute positively to increase workers’ autonomous motivation for temporary agency employment, and, in turn, more autonomous motivation for temporary agency employment relates to higher levels of workers’ well-being.

Originality/value

The study innovates by including in the same model variables that may contribute to workers’ motivation for temporary agency employment as well as the outcomes that may arise from workers’ motivation for temporary agency employment.
Social capital and economic performance of the Muslim world
Authors: Majeed Muhammad Tariq
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The research on causes of economic performance has largely focused on economic factors. However, a simple focus on economic indicators cannot cause sustained equilibrium of economic performance. Social solidarity is of central importance in the fall or rise of a civilization. This study aims to analytically explore and empirically test the relationship of social capital with economic performance of the Muslim world using Islamic perspectives and an inclusive development approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a new index of “interpersonal safety and trust” to measure social capital. The empirical analysis is based on both cross-sectional and panel data methods of estimations.

Findings

The empirical findings of the study show that social capital is an important cause of economic performance in the Muslim world. The findings of the study are shown to be robust to different specifications, additional controls, econometric techniques and outliers.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is first study of its kindly that analytically explores and empirically tests the relationship of social solidarity with economic performance of the Muslim world using Islamic perspectives.
The effect of cybercrime on open innovation policies in technology firms
Authors: Ratten Vanessa
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Open innovation is important for technology firms as they can use freely available resources to source creative and innovative ideas. Despite the usefulness of open innovation for technological advancements, few studies have focused on the role of cybercrime in affecting an organizations strategic direction. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of open innovation on cybercrime in technology firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted on technology firms to understand the role of open innovation in terms of technology scouting, horizontal collaboration and vertical collaboration on cybercrime activity.

Findings

The study found that there is a dilemma most technology firm’s face in having an open innovation strategy and how to manage cybercrime. This means that a coopetition strategy is utilized that helps to not only balance the need to have open innovation but also protect intellectual property.

Research limitations/implications

The study has implications for emerging technology innovations that not only need to have cyber security but also harness the use of Big Data.

Practical implications

Managers of technology firms need to encourage open innovation as a strategy but manage the cybercrime that comes from sharing too much information in an online context.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to link open innovation strategy to cybercrime activity in technology firms. Thus, it contributes to the literature on open innovation and cyber theft and security.
Joint risk management and collaborative ethos
Authors: Marinelli Marina , Salopek Marko
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Based on experience from the UK construction industry, this paper aims to capture the dimensions of the collaborative ethos required for successful implementation of Joint Risk Management, i.e. the cooperative and dynamic risk management approach that continues into the post-contract stage and is jointly undertaken by different project stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods research approach involving semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey was adopted to provide the basis for the statistical analysis encompassing descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests and exploratory factor analysis.

Findings

The analysis highlights the critical role of team integration achieved through the diffusion of collaborative values at strategic and practical level. Relevant applications include early stakeholder engagement, common goals and interests, team building activities and contractual flexibility.

Originality/value

This research is beneficial for the industry and academia as it enhances the understanding of an under-utilised management tool and highlights the requirements for its successful implementation.