bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wald’s martingale and the Moran process
Authors: Monk Travis , van Schaik André
Published: February 2020

Many models of evolution are stochastic processes, where some quantity of interest fluctuates randomly in time. One classic example is the Moran birth-death process, where that quantity is the number of mutants in a population. In such processes we are often interested in their absorption (i.e. fixation) probabilities, and the conditional distributions of absorption time. Those conditional time distributions can be very difficult to calculate, even for relatively simple processes like the Moran birth-death model. Instead of considering the time to absorption, we consider a closely-related quantity: the number of mutant population size changes before absorption. We use Wald’s martingale to obtain the conditional characteristic functions of that quantity in the Moran process. Our expressions are novel, analytical, and exact. The parameter dependence of the characteristic functions is explicit, so it is easy to explore their properties in parameter space. We also use them to approximate the conditional characteristic functions of absorption time. We state the conditions under which that approximation is particularly accurate. Martingales are an elegant framework to solve principal problems of evolutionary stochastic processes. They do not require us to evaluate recursion relations, so we can quickly and tractably obtain absorption probabilities and times of evolutionary stochastic processes.

Author summary

The Moran process is a probabilistic birth-death model of evolution. A mutant is introduced to an indigenous population, and we randomly choose organisms to live or die on subsequent time steps. Our goals are to calculate the probabilities that the mutant eventually dominates the population or goes extinct, and the distribution of time it requires to do so. The conditional distributions of time are difficult to obtain for the Moran process, so we consider a slightly different but related problem. We instead calculate the conditional distributions of the number of times that the mutant population size changes before it dominates the population or goes extinct. We use a martingale identified by Abraham Wald to obtain elegant and exact expressions for those distributions. We then use them to approximate conditional time distributions, and we show when that approximation is accurate. Our analysis outlines the basic concepts martingales and demonstrates why they are a formidable tool for studying probabilistic evolutionary models such as the Moran process.
shRNA Glut-1 inhibits cell viability, apoptosis and migration of laryngeal carcinoma HEp-2 cells through regulating Beclin-1-mediated autophagy
Authors: Wang Wen-Dong , Zhu Jin-Long , Zhou Shui-Hong , Fan Jun , Bao Yang-Yang
Published: February 2020

Objective

Glut-1 is a key regulator in the process of glucose uptake. Previous studies have shown that Glut-1 affects autophagy. However, it is unclear whether there is a correlation between Glut-1 and autophagy in the progression of laryngeal carcinoma. This study was performed to investigate the role of Glut-1 in the development of laryngeal carcinoma.

Methods

A stable HEp-2 cell model was constructed by Glut-1 and Beclin-1 shRNA lentiviral infection. The autophagosome was measured by transmission electron microscopy. Protein levels of LC3, ATG5, CyclinD1, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and c-Myc were determined by Western blotting. CCK8 assay and Transwell assays were used to determine cell viability and migration rate of HEp-2 cells, respectively. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the rate of apoptosis. Immunofluorescence was performed to determine the expression distribution of LC3.

Results

Glut-1 knockdown significantly promoted autophagosome formation by upregulating the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I as well as the role of rapamycin (RAP) and Beclin-1 overexpression on autophagy flux in HEp-2 cells. Glut-1 inhibition also reduced the viability of HEp-2 cells followed by the decreases in expression of cyclinD1 and c-Myc. In addition, Glut-1 depletion increased the number of apoptotic HEp-2 cells accompanied by activation of caspase-3 and downregulation of Bcl-2. Glut-1 knockdown also reduced the migration rate of HEp-2 cells by promoting the expression of N-cadherin and inhibiting the expression of E-cadherin. Beclin-1 consumption significantly reversed Gult-1 knockdown-mediated autophagy activation, resulting in promotion of both proliferation and migration and inhibition of apoptosis.

Conclusions

Glut-1 knockdown-induced autophagy inhibits the proliferation and migration of HEp-2 cells, and promotes apoptosis of HEp-2 cells partly by regulating autophagy.
Marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) develop eosinophilic airway inflammation after house dust mite exposure
Authors: Dahlmann F , Curths C , Wichmann J , Delgado S Jimenez , Twisterling E , Kap YS , van Driel N , Hart BA’t , Knauf Y , Becker T , Dunker S , Windt H , Bleyer M , Kaup FJ , Sewald K , Braun A , Knauf S
Published: February 2020

Background

Extensive analysis of eosinophilic airway inflammation in human-relevant animal models is required to test novel, human-specific pharmaceuticals. This requires species, which show high genetic homology to humans such as non-human primates. Efficacy assessment of novel human-specific biologicals in eosinophilic airway inflammation is currently performed in the cost-intensive macaque asthma model.

Objective

The present study investigated whether marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus), a small-bodied non-human primate species from the New World, develop eosinophilic airway inflammation in response to house dust mite allergen exposure (HDM,Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus).

Methods

Marmoset monkeys were sensitized against HDM by subcutaneous (s.c.) injection and subsequent intratracheal (i.t.) HDM aerosol challenges. Airway and systemic immunologic reactions were monitored and sensitivity towards glucocorticoid therapy was assessed. The pulmonary immunologic response was analyzed by repetitive bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).

Results

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) exhibited increased levels of eosinophils, mast cells, and lymphocytes, as well as interleukin (IL)-13 after HDM challenges, compared to negative controls. The systemic immunologic response was assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from sensitized animals, which secreted increased IL-13 and IFN-γ upon allergen stimulation in contrast to non-sensitized negative control animals. Although IgE was not detectable, HDM-specific serum IgG was elevated in sensitized animals. Both airway and systemic responses were reduced by treatment with glucocorticoids. However, lung function and pathological analyses did not reveal significant differences between groups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, marmoset monkeys developed a mild HDM-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation useful for efficacy testing of novel human-specific biologicals.
A neutrophil-driven inflammatory signature characterizes the blood cell transcriptome fingerprints of Psoriasis and Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Rawat Arun , Rinchai Darawan , Toufiq Mohammed , Marr Alexandra , Kino Tomoshige , Garand Mathieu , Karim Mohammed Yousuf , Sastry Seetharama , Chouchane Aouatef , Chaussabel Damien
Published: February 2020

Background

Transcriptome profiling approaches have been widely used in the investigation of mechanisms underlying psoriasis pathogenesis. In most instances, changes in transcript abundance have been measured in skin biopsies. Fewer studies have examined changes in the blood samples from patients with psoriasis. While changes in the periphery may be less relevant, the blood cell transcriptome analysis presents the distinct advantage of being amenable to comparison across diseases.

Methods

Two public psoriasis blood transcriptome datasets were reanalyzed and compared against reference datasets encompassing 16 immune states and pathologies, employing a recently established modular repertoire framework.

Results

Although perturbations in psoriasis were relatively subtle in comparison to other auto-immune or auto-inflammatory diseases, consistent changes were observed for a signature associated with neutrophil activation/inflammation. This transcriptional signature most resembled that of subjects with Kawasaki disease.

Conclusions

The similarities observed between psoriasis and Kawasaki disease blood transcriptome signatures suggest that immune mechanisms driving the pathogenesis of these diseases may be at least partially shared. This notion is reinforced by case reports describing the development of psoriasis disease in patients with Kawasaki disease. Potential implications for novel therapeutic approaches, including the repurposing of biologic drugs targeting IL17 or its receptor for the treatment of Kawasaki disease are discussed.
Identification of radiation responsive proteins from Spleen and Intestine tissue of mice using Mass Spectrometry approach
Authors: Husain Md. Shabir , Ahmed Faisal , Kumar Ram , Saini Akhilesh K , Shubham Smriti , Shasthry Saggere M , Tariq Salman Mohammad
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) can cause tissue damage, which is difficult to diagnose and treat as no biomarker is available for detection. We aimed to identify proteomic signature of radiation exposure (9.5Gry) in mice and to assess the utility ofPodophyllotoxinextract (PTOX) in preventing radiation injury.

Materials and Methods

Spleen and Small intestinal (SI) tissues were taken from control and lethally irradiated mice at different time intervals with or without pre-treatment withPodophyllotoxinextract. Proteins were identified using Mass Spectrometry and matched with Peptide Mass Fingerprinting.

Results

We found multiple differentially expressed radiation responsive proteins from Spleen and SI tissues in irradiated mice at 24 hours and 30 days in comparison to healthy controls (p<0.05). Differentially expressed proteins like Chromosome transmission fidelity factor ano thath 18 homolog (CTF18) and Rho GTPase-activating protein from spleen and Acta_Mouse protein from SI were identified. These proteins disappeared at 48 hrs. after IR, but re-appeared after 13 days and fully recovered at 30 days inPodophyllotoxintreated group.

Conclusions

Such proteins may be useful in early detection of radiation exposure. Pre-treatment withPodophyllotoxinleads to recovery of the disappeared proteins and improved survival following exposure to irradiation.
TRIBE editing reveals specific mRNA targets of eIF4E-BP inDrosophilaand in mammals
Authors: Jin Hua , Na Daxiang , Rahman Reazur , Xu Weijin , Fieldsend Allegra , Song Wei , Liu Shaobo , Li Chong , Rosbash Michael
Published: February 2020

4E-BP (eIF4E-BP) represses translation initiation by binding to the 5’cap-binding protein eIF4E and inhibiting its activity. Although 4E-BP has been shown to be important in growth control, stress response, cancer, neuronal activity and mammalian circadian rhythms, it is not understood how it preferentially represses a subset of mRNAs. We successfully used hyperTRIBE (Targets of RNA-binding proteins identified by editing) to identify in vivo 4E-BP mRNA targets in bothDrosophilaand mammals under conditions known to activate 4E-BP. The protein associates with specific mRNAs, and ribosome profiling data show that mTOR inhibition changes the translational efficiency of 4E-BP TRIBE targets compared to non-targets. In both systems, these targets have specific motifs and are enriched in translation-related pathways, which correlate well with the known activity of 4E-BP and suggest that it modulates the binding specificity of eIF4E and contributes to mTOR translational specificity.
Altered hematopoietic system and self-tolerance in Bardet-Biedl Syndrome
Authors: Tsyklauri Oksana , Niederlova Veronika , Forsythe Elizabeth , Drobek Ales , Prasai Avishek , Sparks Kathryn , Trachtulec Zdenek , Beales Philip , Huranova Martina , Stepanek Ondrej
Published: February 2020

Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) is a pleiotropic genetic disease caused by dysfunction of primary cilia. The immune system of patients with BBS or another ciliopathy has not been investigated, most likely because hematopoietic cells do not form cilia. However, there are multiple indications that the impairment of the processes typically associated with cilia might influence the hematopoietic compartment and immunity. In this study, we analyzed clinical data of BBS patients as well as a corresponding mouse model of BBS4 deficiency. We uncovered that BBS patients have higher incidence of certain autoimmune diseases. BBS patients and animal models have elevated white blood cell levels and altered red blood cell and platelet compartments. Moreover, we observed that BBS4 deficiency alters the development and homeostasis of B cells in mice. Some of the hematopoietic system alterations were caused by the BBS-induced obesity. Overall, our study reveals a connection between a ciliopathy and the alterations of the immune system and the hematopoietic compartment.
The Hox transcription factor Ubx ensures somatic myogenesis by suppressing the mesodermal master regulator Twist
Authors: Domsch Katrin , Schröder Julia , Janeschik Matthias , Schaub Christoph , Lohmann Ingrid
Published: February 2020

Early determination factors and lineage-specific master regulators are essential for the specification of cell and tissue types. However, once a cell has committed to a specific fate, it is equally critical to restrict the activity of such factors to enable proper differentiation. In many studies the functional network for master regulators are under constant investigations. Yet, how these factors are silenced remains unclear. Using theDrosophilamesoderm as a model and a comparative genomic approach, we identified the Hox transcription factor (TF) Ultrabithorax (Ubx) to be critical for the repression of the mesodermal master regulator Twist (Twi). Mesoderm-specific Ubx loss-of-function experiments using CRISPR/Cas9 as well as overexpression experiments demonstrated that Ubx majorly impactstwitranscription. A detailed mechanistic analysis revealed that Ubx requires the function of the NK-homeodomain protein Tinman (Tin) but not the muscle differentiation factor Myocyte enhancer factor 2 (Mef2) to bind to thetwipromoter. Furthermore, we found these TF interactions to be critical for silencing of thetwipromoter region by recruiting the Polycomb DNA binding protein Pleiohomeotic (Pho). In sum, our study demonstrates that the Hox TF Ubx is a critical player in mediating the silencing of the mesodermal master regulator Twi, which is crucial for coordinated muscle differentiation.
Comparing serial X-ray crystallography and microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) as methods for routine structure determination from small macromolecular crystals
Authors: Wolff Alexander M. , Young Iris D. , Sierra Raymond G. , Brewster Aaron S. , Martynowycz Michael W. , Nango Eriko , Sugahara Michihiro , Nakane Takanori , Ito Kazutaka , Aquila Andrew , Bhowmick Asmit , Biel Justin T. , Carbajo Sergio , Cohen Aina E. , Cortez Saul , Gonzalez Ana , Hino Tomoya , Im Dohyun , Koralek Jake D. , Kubo Minoru , Lazarou Tomas S. , Nomura Takashi , Owada Shigeki , Samelson Avi J. , Tanaka Tomoyuki , Tanaka Rie , Thompson Erin M. , van den Bedem Henry , Woldeyes Rahel A. , Yumoto Fumiaki , Zhao Wei , Tono Kensuke , Boutet Sebastien , Iwata So , Gonen Tamir , Sauter Nicholas K. , Fraser James S. , Thompson Michael C.
Published: February 2020

Innovative new crystallographic methods are facilitating structural studies from ever smaller crystals of biological macromolecules. In particular, serial X-ray crystallography and microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) have emerged as useful methods for obtaining structural information from crystals on the nanometre to micrometre scale. Despite the utility of these methods, their implementation can often be difficult, as they present many challenges that are not encountered in traditional macromolecular crystallography experiments. Here, XFEL serial crystallography experiments and MicroED experiments using batch-grown microcrystals of the enzyme cyclophilin A are described. The results provide a roadmap for researchers hoping to design macromolecular microcrystallography experiments, and they highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the two methods. Specifically, we focus on how the different physical conditions imposed by the sample-preparation and delivery methods required for each type of experiment affect the crystal structure of the enzyme.
Syntheses and crystal structures of the one-dimensional coordination polymers formed by [Ni(cyclam)]2+ cations and 1,3-bis(3-carboxypropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane anions in different degrees of deprotonation
Authors: Gavrish Sergey P. , Shova Sergiu , Cazacu Maria , Dascalu Mihaela , Lampeka Yaroslaw D.
Published: February 2020

The asymmetric units of the title compounds, namely, catena-poly[[(1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-κ4
N
1,N
4,N
8,N
11)nickel(II)]-μ-1,3-bis(3-carboxylatopropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane-κ2
O:O′], [Ni(C10H24O5Si2)(C12H24N4)]
n
(I), and catena-poly[[[(1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-κ4
N
1,N
4,N
8,N
11)nickel(II)]-μ-4-({[(3-carboxypropyl)dimethylsilyl]oxy}dimethylsilyl)butanoato-κ2
O:O′] perchlorate], {[Ni(C10H25O5Si2)(C12H24N4)]ClO4}
n
(II), consist of one (in I) or two crystallographically non-equivalent (in II) centrosymmetric macrocyclic cations and one centrosymmetric dianion (in I) or two centrosymmetric monoanions (in II). In each compound, the metal ion is coordinated by the four secondary N atoms of the macrocyclic ligand, which adopts the most energetically stable trans-III conformation, and the mutually trans O atoms of the carboxylate in a slightly tetragonally distorted trans-NiN4O2 octahedral coordination geometry. The crystals of both types of compounds are composed of parallel polymeric chains of the macrocyclic cations linked by the anions of the acid running along the [101] and [110] directions in I and II, respectively. In I, each polymeric chain is linked to four neighbouring ones by hydrogen bonding between the NH groups of the macrocycle and the carboxylate O atoms, thus forming a three-dimensional supramolecular network. In II, each polymeric chain contacts with only two neighbours, forming hydrogen bonds between the partially protonated carboxylic groups of the bridging ligand. As a result, a lamellar structure is formed with the layers oriented parallel to the (1\overline{1}1) plane.
Polymorphism of 2-(5-benzyl-6-oxo-3-phenyl-1,6-dihydropyridazin-1-yl)acetic acid with two monoclinic modifications: crystal structures and Hirshfeld surface analyses
Authors: Daoui Said , Baydere Cemile , Chelfi Tarik , El Kalai Fouad , Dege Necmi , Karrouchi Khalid , Benchat Noureddine
Published: February 2020

Two polymorphs of the title compound, C19H16N2O3, were obtained from ethanolic (polymorph I) and methanolic solutions (polymorph II), respectively. Both polymorphs crystallize in the monoclinic system with four formula units per cell and a complete molecule in the asymmetric unit. The main difference between the molecules of (I) and (II) is the reversed position of the hydroxy group of the carboxylic function. All other conformational features are found to be similar in the two molecules. The different orientation of the OH group results in different hydrogen-bonding schemes in the crystal structures of (I) and (II). Whereas in (I) intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds with the pyridazinone carbonyl O atom as acceptor generate chains with a C(7) motif extending parallel to the b-axis direction, in the crystal of (II) pairs of inversion-related O—H...O hydrogen bonds with an R
2
2(8) ring motif between two carboxylic functions are found. The intermolecular interactions in both crystal structures were analysed using Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional fingerprint plots.
SEQUENCE SLIDER: expanding polyalanine fragments for phasing with multiple side-chain hypotheses
Authors: Borges Rafael Junqueira , Meindl Kathrin , Triviño Josep , Sammito Massimo , Medina Ana , Millán Claudia , Alcorlo Martin , Hermoso Juan A. , Fontes Marcos Roberto de Mattos , Usón Isabel
Published: February 2020

Fragment-based molecular-replacement methods can solve a macromolecular structure quasi-ab initio. ARCIMBOLDO, using a common secondary-structure or tertiary-structure template or a library of folds, locates these with Phaser and reveals the rest of the structure by density modification and autotracing in SHELXE. The latter stage is challenging when dealing with diffraction data at lower resolution, low solvent content, high β-sheet composition or situations in which the initial fragments represent a low fraction of the total scattering or where their accuracy is low. SEQUENCE SLIDER aims to overcome these complications by extending the initial polyalanine fragment with side chains in a multisolution framework. Its use is illustrated on test cases and previously unknown structures. The selection and order of fragments to be extended follows the decrease in log-likelihood gain (LLG) calculated with Phaser upon the omission of each single fragment. When the starting substructure is derived from a remote homolog, sequence assignment to fragments is restricted by the original alignment. Otherwise, the secondary-structure prediction is matched to that found in fragments and traces. Sequence hypotheses are trialled in a brute-force approach through side-chain building and refinement. Scoring the refined models through their LLG in Phaser may allow discrimination of the correct sequence or filter the best partial structures for further density modification and autotracing. The default limits for the number of models to pursue are hardware dependent. In its most economic implementation, suitable for a single laptop, the main-chain trace is extended as polyserine rather than trialling models with different sequence assignments, which requires a grid or multicore machine. SEQUENCE SLIDER has been instrumental in solving two novel structures: that of MltC from 2.7 Å resolution data and that of a pneumococcal lipoprotein with 638 residues and 35% solvent content.
Extending the scope of coiled-coil crystal structure solution byAMPLEthrough improvedab initiomodelling
Authors: Thomas Jens M. H. , Keegan Ronan M. , Rigden Daniel J. , Davies Owen R.
Published: February 2020

The phase problem remains a major barrier to overcome in protein structure solution by X-ray crystallography. In recent years, new molecular-replacement approaches usingab initiomodels and ideal secondary-structure components have greatly contributed to the solution of novel structures in the absence of clear homologues in the PDB or experimental phasing information. This has been particularly successful for highly α-helical structures, and especially coiled-coils, in which the relatively rigid α-helices provide very useful molecular-replacement fragments. This has been seen within the programAMPLE, which uses clustered and truncated ensembles of numerousab initiomodels in structure solution, and is already accomplished for α-helical and coiled-coil structures. Here, an expansion in the scope of coiled-coil structure solution byAMPLEis reported, which has been achieved through general improvements in the pipeline, the removal of tNCS correction in molecular replacement and two improved methods forab initiomodelling. Of the latter improvements, enforcing the modelling of elongated helices overcame the bias towards globular folds and provided a rapid method (equivalent to the time requirements of the existing modelling procedures inAMPLE) for enhanced solution. Further, the modelling of two-, three- and four-helical oligomeric coiled-coils, and the use of full/partial oligomers in molecular replacement, provided additional success in difficult and lower resolution cases. Together, these approaches have enabled the solution of a number of parallel/antiparallel dimeric, trimeric and tetrameric coiled-coils at resolutions as low as 3.3 Å, and have thus overcome previous limitations inAMPLEand provided a new functionality in coiled-coil structure solution at lower resolutions. These new approaches have been incorporated into a new release ofAMPLEin which automated elongated monomer and oligomer modelling may be activated by selecting `coiled-coil' mode.
Measuring and using information gained by observing diffraction data
Authors: Read Randy J. , Oeffner Robert D. , McCoy Airlie J.
Published: February 2020

The information gained by making a measurement, termed the Kullback–Leibler divergence, assesses how much more precisely the true quantity is known after the measurement was made (the posterior probability distribution) than before (the prior probability distribution). It provides an upper bound for the contribution that an observation can make to the total likelihood score in likelihood-based crystallographic algorithms. This makes information gain a natural criterion for deciding which data can legitimately be omitted from likelihood calculations. Many existing methods use an approximation for the effects of measurement error that breaks down for very weak and poorly measured data. For such methods a different (higher) information threshold is appropriate compared with methods that account well for even large measurement errors. Concerns are raised about a current trend to deposit data that have been corrected for anisotropy, sharpened and pruned without including the original unaltered measurements. If not checked, this trend will have serious consequences for the reuse of deposited data by those who hope to repeat calculations using improved new methods.
The invaluable experience
Authors: Lan Kenneth
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This writing examines the remarkable career of the founding East Asian scholar at Montreal's Concordia University. He was the individual who did more than merely a college professor after 37 years there. He had helped to shape a new course in Sino-Canadian relations.

Design

This paper will look at an element of soft power engagement between Canada and China before Deng Xiaoping's Open Door Policy. It also examines Concordia's achievement in establishing a China foothold in the early-1980s.

Findings

Canada has always been a pioneer in engaging Red China. Despite not having formal diplomatic ties until October 1970, Ottawa never abandoned its wish to seek a friendship with Beijing. Amidst the thawing China–Canada relations since 1970, Concordia University recruited a 25-year-old graduate student named Martin Singer to inaugurate its East Asian courses. Singer's auspicious academic career not only gave him to organize Canada's first and the largest student delegation to China but also enabled him to pioneer the first joint-postgraduate studies program between a Chinese and a Western postsecondary institution. He was also a key player in establishing a novel and unique relationship between the PRC and the Western world.

Originality

This paper provides a glimpse into China's early experience in engaging the world as it left behind decades of communist isolation. It also highlights how serendipities allowed people and institutions to advance in the wake of this exciting period in modern Chinese history.
Migrant workers in Japan: socio-economic conditions and policy
Authors: Hosogaya Nobuko
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the major characteristics of contemporary migrant workers in Japan. In order to illustrate their actual situations in relation to the socio-economic conditions and government policies, data have been gathered from relevant government sources and several surveys conducted by Japanese researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses social background, socio-economic factors and the public response to migrant workers in Japan. The focus is placed upon Japanese policy context and recent trend which demonstrates an increase in foreign workers. The main method is statistical analyses of the government macro data. In addition, some data from the relevant research outcomes are systematised.

Findings

The inflow of migrant workers has consistently augmented, and this has fostered the public debate. Some observers indicate that government deceitfully accepts migrant workers through the “backdoor” and the “side doors”. There has been some criticism, relating to the fact that increasing numbers of foreign employees include many workers with no formal qualifications, such as technical internships and international students who take on part-time jobs.

Originality/value

This article provides some factors for certain migration patterns, featuring contemporary Japan's migration issues. In conclusion, some uniqueness of contemporary migrant workers in Japanese community has been depicted, and the implications of these findings can contribute to prospective research, Japan's policy and practice in this field.
Banks' sustainable growth challenge under economic recessionary pressure
Authors: Zheng Maoyong , Escalante Cesar L.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This is a comparative study of the nature of operating decisions made by agricultural and non-agricultural banks, affecting their actual growth plans in the years around and during the Great Recession of 2008. The main empirical question is whether banks under greater economic stress shortly before, during, and immediately after the recession made deliberate adjustments in their growth decisions vis-à-vis predetermined sustainable levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Higgins' sustainable growth challenge is employed to evaluate banks' growth decisions involving four growth levers (profitability, earnings retention, asset management, and financial leverage). Actual growth trends are related to business growth rates deemed sustainable given available financial capability as prescribed by Higgins' model.

Findings

Both banking groups made cautious growth decisions during the sample period. Actual growth rates were below sustainable levels. Agricultural banks registered steadily increasing sustainable growth rates from the pre-recession years until the recovery period, while non-agricultural banks were more constrained to grow given their declining sustainable growth levels. Notably, agricultural banks showed relatively more aggressiveness in raising slightly actual revenue growth to levels much closer to sustainable levels. This could have resulted from their less volatile profit margin trends and usual pressure to maintain acceptable liquidity conditions in order to gain access to external funds.

Originality/value

This study presents an additional application of Higgins' model to agricultural finance. The comparative analysis of banking groups becomes even more relevant these days as recent economic discussions focus on indicators of an imminent recessionary period.
Capacity building for transnationalisation of higher education
Authors: Shams S.M. Riad , Hasan Rajibul
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Transnationalism and transnational concept are extensively researched in many social science areas; however, transnational management and transnational marketing is relatively a less explored research domain. Also, knowledge management for transnational education (TNE) marketing is not well-researched. Capacity building is an established research-stream, with a key focus on socio-economic and ecological development; however, prior research on capacity building from the context of TNE’s knowledge management and marketing is scarce. The purpose of this study is to analyse TNE marketing mix, to understand the influence of transnational stakeholders’ causal scope(s) on knowledge management in TNE to uphold their transnatioalisation processes through capacity building in TNEs’ marketing management.

Design/methodology/approach

An inductive constructivist method is followed.

Findings

Organisational learning from the context of transnational market and socio-economic competitive factors, based on analysing the transnational stakeholders’ causal scope(s) is imperative for proactive knowledge management capacity in TNE marketing. Following the analysis of transnational stakeholders’ causal scope(s) to learn about the cause and consequence of the transnational stakeholders’ relationships and interactions, an initial conceptual framework of knowledge management for TNE marketing is proposed. Practical insights from different TNE markets are developed in support of this novel knowledge management capacity building framework of TNE, and its generalisation perspectives and future research areas are discussed.

Practical implications

These insights will be useful for TNE administrators to better align their knowledge management perspectives and propositions with their transnational stakeholders to underpin TNE marketing. Academics will be able to use these insights as a basis for future research.

Originality/value

This study proposes a novel conceptual stakeholder-centred capacity building framework for TNE’s knowledge management to uphold TNE marketing and supports the framework, based on practical insights from three different transnational markets.
A novel parallel finite element procedure for nonlinear dynamic problems using GPU and mixed-precision algorithm
Authors: Wang Shengquan , Wang Chao , Cai Yong , Li Guangyao
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the computational speed of solving nonlinear dynamics by using parallel methods and mixed-precision algorithm on graphic processing units (GPUs). The computational efficiency of traditional central processing units (CPUs)-based computer aided engineering software has been difficult to satisfy the needs of scientific research and practical engineering, especially for nonlinear dynamic problems. Besides, when calculations are performed on GPUs, double-precision operations are slower than single-precision operations. So this paper implemented mixed precision for nonlinear dynamic problem simulation using Belytschko-Tsay (BT) shell element on GPU.

Design/methodology/approach

To minimize data transfer between heterogeneous architectures, the parallel computation of the fully explicit finite element (FE) calculation is realized using a vectorized thread-level parallelism algorithm. An asynchronous data transmission strategy and a novel dependency relationship link-based method, for efficiently solving parallel explicit shell element equations, are used to improve the GPU utilization ratio. Finally, this paper implements mixed precision for nonlinear dynamic problems simulation using the BT shell element on a GPU and compare it to the CPU-based serially executed program and a GPU-based double-precision parallel computing program.

Findings

For a car body model containing approximately 5.3 million degrees of freedom, the computational speed is improved 25 times over CPU sequential computation, and approximately 10% over double-precision parallel computing method. The accuracy error of the mixed-precision computation is small and can satisfy the requirements of practical engineering problems.

Originality/value

This paper realized a novel FE parallel computing procedure for nonlinear dynamic problems using mixed-precision algorithm on CPU-GPU platform. Compared with the CPU serial program, the program implemented in this article obtains a 25 times acceleration ratio when calculating the model of 883,168 elements, which greatly improves the calculation speed for solving nonlinear dynamic problems.
Supporting building automation systems in BIM/IFC: reviewing the existing information gap
Authors: Vieira Renato , Carreira Paulo , Domingues Pedro , Costa Antonio Aguiar
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Despite the continuous development of Building Information Modeling (BIM) standards, not all of its dimensions are supported to the same extent. This is the case of Building Automation Systems (BAS) in which the features that are limited mostly to physical setup of devices are supported. These are largely insufficient to support modeling automation scenarios. The purpose of this article is to clarify the gap in the state of the art and define the need for further developments.

Design/methodology/approach

This article explores the existing gap in the literature and discusses the hypothesis of extending BIM to a wider support of BA concepts. Based on an assessment of scientific and technical literature, this study elicits the information requirements of BA and performs a gap analysis with current BIM standards, such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC).

Findings

Our findings lead us to conclude that there is a lack of completeness regarding features from BAS automation and management levels. Furthermore, it is shown that IFC is the most adequate data model to cover BAS without losing its purpose, but there is still a considerable work that needs to be addressed in future research.

Originality/value

BIM standards such as IFC position themselves as natural candidates for modeling and exchanging information regarding BA. However, the extent to which BIM supports automation features has never been rigorously analyzed. This article explores the existing gap in the literature and discusses the hypothesis of extending BIM to a wider support of BA concepts. Based on an assessment of scientific and technical literature, this study elicits the information requirements of BA and performs a gap analysis with current BIM standards such as IFC.
Research-evidence-based health policy formulation in Malawi
Authors: Mapulanga Patrick , Raju Jaya , Matingwina Thomas
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The paper seeks to report on research-evidence-based health policy formulation in Malawi based on interviews with policymakers and questionnaire administered to health researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative data for inferential statistical analysis was obtained through a questionnaire administered to researchers in the University of Malawi's College of Medicine and the Kamuzu College of Nursing. Interviews were conducted with four directors holding decision-making national health policy roles in the Ministry of Health and the National Assembly. The five national policymakers interviewed constituted five of the nine interviewees. The remaining four interviewed represented other government agencies and non-governmental organisations in the health sector. These constituted a piloted group of health policymakers in Malawi. Data from interviews shows illustrative comments typical of consistent perspectives among interviewees. Where they disagreed, divergent views have been presented.

Findings

The survey has revealed that health researchers rarely interact with health policymakers. Policymakers rarely attend researchers' workshops, seminars and conferences. Researchers prefer to interact with policymakers through expert committees or technical working groups. However, the meetings are called by policymakers at their own will. In terms of health research designed for user relevance, survey respondents suggested that developing research products; formulating study objectives; analysing and interpreting research findings and; developing research designs and methods were their responsibility. However, policymakers felt that research evidence should appeal to specific priorities needed by health policymakers in policy formulation. Health researchers suggested that health research evidence should be communicated through syntheses of the research literature and reprints of articles published in scientific journals. However, policymakers were of the view that research products should not be bulky, should be presented in points form and should provide options for specific policy areas.

Practical implications

University research groups and technical working groups provide an opportunity for interacting and enhancing the use of health research evidence.

Originality/value

For the purposes of facilitating the use of research evidence into policy, the study provides a low-cost framework for linking research groups and technical working groups to inform health research utilisation.
Volatility clustering, risk-return relationship and asymmetric adjustment in the Finnish housing market
Authors: Dufitinema Josephine
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the house prices in Finland share financial characteristics with assets such as stocks. The studied regions are 15 main regions in Finland over the period of 1988:Q1-2018:Q4. These regions are divided geographically into 45 cities and sub-areas according to their postcode numbers. The studied type of dwellings is apartments (block of flats) divided into one-room, two rooms and more than three rooms apartment types.

Design/methodology/approach

Both Ljung–Box and Lagrange multiplier tests are used to test for clustering effects (autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity effects). For cities and sub-areas with significant clustering effects, the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH)-in-mean model is used to determine the potential impact that the conditional variance may have on returns. Moreover, the exponential GARCH model is used to examine the possibility of asymmetric effects of shocks on house price volatility. For each apartment type, individual models are estimated; enabling different house price dynamics, and variation of signs and magnitude of different effects across cities and sub-areas.

Findings

Results reveal that clustering effects exist in over half of the cities and sub-areas in all studied types of apartments. Moreover, mixed results on the sign of the significant risk-return relationship are observed across cities and sub-areas in all three apartment types. Furthermore, the evidence of the asymmetric impact of shocks on housing volatility is noted in almost all the cities and sub-areas housing markets. These studied volatility properties are further found to differ across cities and sub-areas, and by apartment types.

Research limitations/implications

The existence of these volatility patterns has essential implications, such as investment decision-making and portfolio management. The study outcomes will be used in a forecasting procedure of the volatility dynamics of the studied types of dwellings. The quality of the data limits the analysis and the results of the study.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the volatility of the Finnish housing market in general, and by using data on both municipal and geographical level, particularly.
Towards a high-performance HR bundle process for lean service operations
Authors: Zirar Araz , Trusson Clive , Choudhary Alok
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This article presents an empirically induced “high-performance” “human resources (HR) bundle”, comprising six HR practices, for supporting lean service operations.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a multiple case study. A qualitative data set, including transcripts from 27 semistructured in-depth interviews with lean practitioners from across five service organizations that have adopted lean practices, was thematically analyzed to establish key HR practices on the road to lean maturity.

Findings

A “high-performance” HR bundle of three work practices and three employment practices emerged from the analysis. These practices typically mature implicitly rather than systematically to support organizations in successfully implementing lean service operations by resourcing the most suitable people for carefully defined roles, providing workers with extensive lean training opportunities, appraising workers' performances such that lean behaviours are recognized and rewarded and encouraging a participative teamworking culture.

Research limitations/implications

This article uses cross-sectional data from five case studies to induce a “high-performance” “HR bundle” theoretical model and process. A larger number of case studies and/or longitudinal data would add credence.

Practical implications

Lean service managers should regard HR practices as integral to the lean maturation process and might usefully conceive of them as processes allowing for greater management control to achieve incremental improvements to lean service provision.

Originality/value

The article provides deeper understanding of the importance of HR practice for lean service organizations and offers practical suggestions for managing HR practices in this context.
Industry 4.0 technologies in the purchasing process
Authors: Gottge Simon , Menzel Torben , Forslund Helena
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The aim of the study is to explore the possible practical impact of big data/business intelligence and Internet of Things on the purchasing process of premium automotive manufacturers, and to evaluate its theoretical impact with a transaction cost economics approach.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory multiple-case study was carried out, using qualitative content analysis and cross-case synthesis.

Findings

Collaborative platforms and a new purchaser role were found to impact the entire process. In the strategic purchasing 4.0 process, co-creation of specifications, automated prequalification, and parameter-based negotiations are some expected changes. The operative purchasing 4.0 process is shaped by, for example, interactive call-offs. Transaction cost is expected to decrease by reduced uncertainty and supplier specificity, as well as by lowered information search, negotiation, and monitoring costs.

Research limitations/implications

The description of a potential purchasing 4.0 process for premium automotive manufacturers is given.

Practical implications

Premium automotive manufacturers can develop strategies to push the existing standards of purchasing. Suppliers can create scenarios to allow for future compliance at the purchasing–sales interface.

Social implications

New technologies' effects on the workforce are considered.

Originality/value

No identified study focused on the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on the purchasing process of premium automotive manufacturers.
The impact of product market competition on stock price crash risk
Authors: Li Jia , Luo Zhengying
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of product market competition on the risk of stock price crash based on the degree of industry competition and the competitive position of enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper chooses the data of Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies from 2009 to 2017 as samples and uses a threshold regression model to explore the impact of product market competition on the risk of a stock price crash.

Findings

The results show that: the overall level of industry competition is negatively correlated with the risk of stock price crash; the competitive position of enterprises and the risk of a stock price crash. The correlation is not significant: for high competitive enterprises, the degree of industry competition is negatively correlated with the risk of stock price crash; for low competitive enterprises, the degree of industry competition is positively correlated with the risk of a stock price crash and the conclusions obtained have passed the robustness test.

Originality/value

This paper not only enriches the literature on the relationship between product market competition and the risk of stock price crash but also has reference significance for supervisors to allocate resources to supervise information disclosure of listed companies.