bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
pNeRF: Parallelized Conversion from Internal to Cartesian Coordinates
Authors: AlQuraishi Mohammed
Published: August 2018

The conversion of polymer parameterization from internal coordinates (bond lengths, angles, and torsions) to Cartesian coordinates is a fundamental task in molecular modeling, often performed using the Natural Extension Reference Frame (NeRF) algorithm. NeRF can be parallelized to process multiple polymers simultaneously, but is not parallelizable along the length of a single polymer. A mathematically equivalent algorithm, pNeRF, has been derived that is parallelizable along a polymer’s length. Empirical analysis demonstrates an order-of-magnitude speed up using modern GPUs and CPUs. In machine learning-based workflows, in which partial derivatives are backpropagated through NeRF equations and neural network primitives, switching to pNeRF can reduce the fractional computational cost of coordinate conversion from over two-thirds to around 10%. An optimized TensorFlow-based implementation of pNeRF is available on GitHub.
A genetically encoded single-wavelength sensor for imaging cytosolic and cell surface ATP
Authors: Lobas Mark , Nagai Jun , Kronschläger Mira T. , Borden Philip , Marvin Jonathan S. , Looger Loren L. , Khakh Baljit S.
Published: August 2018

Adenosine 5’ triphosphate (ATP) is a universal intracellular energy source1and an evolutionarily ancient2extracellular signal3–5. Here, we report the generation and characterization of single-wavelength genetically encoded fluorescent sensors (iATPSnFRs) for imaging extracellular and cytosolic ATP from insertion of circularly permuted superfolder GFP into the epsilon subunit of F0F1-ATPase fromBacillus PS3. On the cell surface and within the cytosol, iATPSnFR1.0responded to relevant ATP concentrations (30 μM to 3 mM) with fast increases in fluorescence. iATPSnFRs can be genetically targeted to specific cell types and sub-cellular compartments, imaged with standard light microscopes, do not respond to other nucleotides and nucleosides, and when fused with a red fluorescent protein function as ratiometric indicators. iATPSnFRs represent promising new reagents for imaging ATP dynamics.
Spatial autocorrelation: bane or bonus?
Authors: Pawley Matt. D. M. , McArdle Brian H.
Published: August 2018

Spatial autocorrelation is a general phenomenon within biogeographical studies. However, considerable confusion exists about how to analyse spatially autocorrelated data collected using classical sampling methods (e.g. simple random sampling). We show that the two common discordant views about autocorrelated data depend upon the desired scale of inference. Although inferential statistics seeking to generalise to different unsampled spatial areas need to be adjusted for autocorrelation, if the inference is restricted to the area from which samples have been taken, then standard tests are applicable. In the latter case, incorporating autocorrelation into the model may actually improve the precision and power of the analysis. We found that the scale of spatial inference is rarely discussed, despite being of central importance to any spatial analysis. We suggest that spatial inference should rarely be formally generalised to unsampled areas, since it typically requires some assumption of stationarity, and is thus vulnerable to accusations of “pseudo-replication”.
Just the Two of Us? A Family of Pseudomonas Megaplasmids Offers a Rare Glimpse Into the Evolution of Large Mobile Elements
Authors: Smith Brian A. , Leligdon Courtney , Baltrus David A.
Published: August 2018

Pseudomonads are ubiquitous group of environmental proteobacteria, well known for their roles in biogeochemical cycling, in the breakdown of xenobiotic materials, as plant growth promoters, and as pathogens of a variety of host organisms. We have previously identified a large megaplasmid present within one isolate the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, and here we report that a second member of this megaplasmid family is found within an environmental Pseudomonad isolate most closely related to P. putida. Many of the shared genes are involved in critical cellular processes like replication, transcription, translation, and DNA repair. We argue that presence of these shared pathways sheds new light on discussions about the types of genes that undergo horizontal gene transfer (i.e. the complexity hypothesis) as well as the evolution of pangenomes. Furthermore, although both megaplasmids display a high level of synteny, genes that are shared differ by over 30% on average at the amino acid level. This combination of conservation in gene order despite divergence in gene sequence suggests that this Pseudomonad megaplasmid family is relatively old, that gene order is under strong selection within this family, and that there are likely many more members of this megaplasmid family waiting to be found in nature.
GranatumX: A Community-engaging, Modularized, and Flexible Webtool for Single-cell Data Analysis
Authors: Garmire David , Zhu Xun , Mantravadi Aravind , Huang Qianhui , Yunits Breck , Liu Yu , Wolfgruber Thomas , Poirion Olivier , Zhao Tianying , Arisdakessian Cédric , Stanojevic Stefan , Garmire Lana X.
Published: August 2018

We present GranatumX, a next-generation software environment for single-cell data analysis. GranatumX is inspired by the interactive web tool Granatum. It enables biologists to access the latest single-cell bioinformatics methods in a web-based graphical environment. It also offers software developers the opportunity to rapidly promote their own tools with others in customizable pipelines. The architecture of GranatumX allows for easy inclusion of plugin modules, named Gboxes, that wrap around bioinformatics tools written in various programming languages and on various platforms. GranatumX can be run on the cloud or private servers and generate reproducible results. It is a community-engaging, flexible, and evolving software ecosystem for scRNA-Seq analysis, connecting developers with bench scientists. GranatumX is freely accessible at http://garmiregroup.org/granatumx/app.
Drug repurposing through joint learning on knowledge graphs and literature
Authors: Alshahrani Mona , Hoehndorf Robert
Published: August 2018

Motivation

Drug repurposing is the problem of finding new uses for known drugs, and may either involve finding a new protein target or a new indication for a known mechanism. Several computational methods for drug repurposing exist, and many of these methods rely on combinations of different sources of information, extract hand-crafted features and use a computational model to predict targets or indications for a drug. One of the distinguishing features between different drug repurposing systems is the selection of features. Recently, a set of novel machine learning methods have become available that can efficiently learn features from datasets, and these methods can be applied, among others, to text and structured data in knowledge graphs.

Results

We developed a novel method that combines information in literature and structured databases, and applies feature learning to generate vector space embeddings. We apply our method to the identification of drug targets and indications for known drugs based on heterogeneous information about drugs, target proteins, and diseases. We demonstrate that our method is able to combine complementary information from both structured databases and from literature, and we show that our method can compete with well-established methods for drug repurposing. Our approach is generic and can be applied to other areas in which multi-modal information is used to build predictive models.

Availability

https://github.com/bio-ontology-research-group/multi-drug-embedding

Contact

robert.hoehndorf@kaust.edu.sa
Efa6 protects axons and regulates their growth and branching by inhibiting microtubule polymerisation at the cortex
Authors: Qu Yue , Hahn Ines , Lees Meredith , Parkin Jill , Voelzmann André , Dorey Karel , Rathbone Alex , Friel Claire , Allan Viki , Okenve-Ramos Pilar , Sanchez-Soriano Natalia , Prokop Andreas
Published: August 2018

Cortical collapse factors affect microtubule (MT) dynamics at the plasma membrane. They play important roles in neurons, as suggested by inhibition of axon growth and regeneration through the Arf activator Efa6 inC. elegans, and by neurodevelopmental disorders linked to the mammalian kinesin Kif21A. How cortical collapse factors influence axon growth is little understood. Here we studied them, focussing on the function ofDrosophilaEfa6 in experimentally and genetically amenable fly neurons. First, we show thatDrosophilaEfa6 can inhibit MTs directly without interacting molecules via an N-terminal 18 amino acid motif (MT elimination domain/MTED) that binds tubulin and inhibits microtubule growthin vitroand cells. If N-terminal MTED-containing fragments are in the cytoplasm they abolish entire microtubule networks of mouse fibroblasts and whole axons of fly neurons. Full-length Efa6 is membrane-attached, hence primarily blocks MTs in the periphery of fibroblasts, and explorative MTs that have left axonal bundles in neurons. Accordingly, loss of Efa6 causes an increase of explorative MTs: in growth cones, they enhance axon growth, in axon shafts, explorative MTs cause excessive branching, as well as atrophy through perturbations of MT bundles. Efa6 over-expression causes the opposite phenotypes. Taken together, our work conceptually links molecular and sub-cellular functions of cortical collapse factors to axon growth regulation and reveals new roles in axon branching and in the prevention of axonal atrophy. Furthermore, the MTED delivers a promising tool that can be used to inhibit MTs in a compartmentalised fashion when fusing it to specifically localising protein domains.

Summary statement

The cortical collapse factor Efa6 inhibits microtubule polymerising outside axonal bundles. Thereby it limits axon growth and branching, but preserves microtubule bundle organisation crucial for axon maintenance.
The RopGEF KARAPPO is Essential for the Initiation of Vegetative Reproduction in Marchantia
Authors: Hiwatashi Takuma , Quan Koh Li , Yasui Yukiko , Takami Hideyuki , Kajikawa Masataka , Kirita Hiroyuki , Sato Mayuko , Wakazaki Mayumi , Yamaguchi Katsushi , Shigenobu Shuji , Fukaki Hidehiro , Mimura Tetsuro , Yamato Katsuyuki T. , Toyooka Kiminori , Sawa Shinichiro , Urano Daisuke , Kohchi Takayuki , Ishizaki Kimitsune
Published: August 2018

Many plants can reproduce vegetatively, producing clonal progeny from vegetative cells; however, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying this process. Liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha), a basal land plant, propagates asexually via gemmae, which are clonal plantlets formed in gemma cups on the dorsal side of the vegetative thallus [1]. The initial stage of gemma development involves elongation and asymmetric divisions of a specific type of epidermal cell, called a gemma initial, which forms on the floor of the gemma cup [2, 3]. To investigate the regulatory mechanism underlying gemma development, we focused on two allelic mutants in which no gemma initial formed; these mutants were named karappo, meaning “empty”. We used whole-genome sequencing of both mutants, and molecular genetic analyses to identify the causal gene, KARAPPO (KAR), which encodes a Rop guanine nucleotide exchange factor (RopGEF) carrying a PRONE catalytic domain. In vitro GEF assays showed that the full-length KAR protein and the PRONE domain have significant GEF activity toward MpRop, the only Rop GTPase in M. polymorpha. Moreover, genetic complementation experiments showed a significant role for the N- and C-terminal variable regions in gemma development. Our investigation demonstrated an essential role for KAR/RopGEF in the initiation of plantlet development from a differentiated cell, which may involve cell polarity formation and subsequent asymmetric cell division via activation of Rop signaling, implying a similar developmental mechanism in vegetative reproduction of various land plants.
Triparental inheritance inDictyostelium
Authors: Bloomfield Gareth , Paschke Peggy , Okamoto Marina , Stevens Tim J. , Urushihara Hideko
Published: August 2018

Sex promotes the recombination and reassortment of genetic material and is prevalent across eukaryotes. In social amoebae sex involves a promiscuous mixing of cytoplasm before zygotes consume the majority of cells. We report here the first genomewide characterisation of meiotic progeny inDictyostelium discoideum. We find that recombination occurs at high frequency in pairwise crosses between all three mating types, despite the absence of the SPO11 enzyme that is normally required to initiate crossover formation. In crosses involving three strains, transient fusions involving more than two gametes frequently lead to triparental inheritance, with recombined nuclear haplotypes inherited from two parents and the mitochondrial genome from a third. Cells that do not contribute genetically to theDictyosteliumzygote nucleus thereby have a stake in the next haploid generation. We suggest that this lateral transfer helps to enforce cooperation in this confictual system.
Heat stress modifies the lactational performances and the urinary metabolomic profile related to gastrointestinal microbiota of dairy goats
Authors: Contreras-Jodar Alexandra , Nayan Nazri , Hamzaoui Soufiane , Caja Gerardo , Salama Ahmed A.K.
Published: August 2018

The aim of the study was to identify the candidate biomarkers of heat stress (HS) in the urine of lactating dairy goats through the application of proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR)-based metabolomic analysis. Dairy does (n = 16) in mid-lactation were submitted to thermal neutral (TN; indoors; 15 to 20°C; 40 to 45% humidity) or HS (climatic chamber; 37°C day, 30°C night; 40% humidity) conditions according to a crossover design (2 periods of 21 days). Thermophysiological traits and lactational performances were recorded and milk composition analyzed during each period. Urine samples were collected at day 15 of each period for 1H NMR spectroscopy analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square–discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) assessment with cross validation were used to identify the goat urinary metabolome from Human Metabolome Data Base. HS increased rectal temperature (1.2°C), respiratory rate (3.5-fold) and water intake (74%), but decreased feed intake (35%) and body weight (5%) of the lactating does. No differences were detected in milk yield, but HS decreased the milk contents of fat (9%), protein (16%) and lactose (5%). Metabolomics allowed separating TN and HS urinary clusters by PLS-DA. Most discriminating metabolites were hippurate and other phenylalanine (Phe) derivative compounds, which increased in HS vs. TN does. The greater excretion of these gut-derived toxic compounds indicated that HS induced a harmful gastrointestinal microbiota overgrowth, which should have sequestrated aromatic amino acids for their metabolism and decreased the synthesis of neurotransmitters and thyroid hormones, with negative impact on milk yield and composition. In conclusion, HS markedly changed the thermophysiological traits and lactational performances of dairy goats, which were translated into their urinary metabolomic profile through the presence of gut-derived toxic compounds. Hippurate and other Phe-derivative compounds are suggested as urinary biomarkers to detect heat stressed dairy animals in practice.
Oral iron exacerbates colitis and influences the intestinal microbiome
Authors: Mahalhal Awad , Williams Jonathan M. , Johnson Sophie , Ellaby Nicholas , Duckworth Carrie A. , Burkitt Michael D. , Liu Xuan , Hold Georgina L. , Campbell Barry J. , Pritchard D. Mark , Probert Chris S.
Published: August 2018

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with anaemia and oral iron replacement to correct this can be problematic, intensifying inflammation and tissue damage. The intestinal microbiota also plays a key role in the pathogenesis of IBD, and iron supplementation likely influences gut bacterial diversity in patients with IBD. Here, we assessed the impact of dietary iron, using chow diets containing either 100, 200 or 400 ppm, fed ad libitum to adult female C57BL/6 mice in the presence or absence of colitis induced using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), on (i) clinical and histological severity of acute DSS-induced colitis, and (ii) faecal microbial diversity, as assessed by sequencing the V4 region of 16S rRNA. Increasing or decreasing dietary iron concentration from the standard 200 ppm exacerbated both clinical and histological severity of DSS-induced colitis. DSS-treated mice provided only half the standard levels of iron ad libitum (i.e. chow containing 100 ppm iron) lost more body weight than those receiving double the amount of standard iron (i.e. 400 ppm); p<0.01. Faecal calprotectin levels were significantly increased in the presence of colitis in those consuming 100 ppm iron at day 8 (5.94-fold) versus day-10 group (4.14-fold) (p<0.05), and for the 400 ppm day-8 group (8.17-fold) versus day-10 group (4.44-fold) (p<0.001). In the presence of colitis, dietary iron at 400 ppm resulted in a significant reduction in faecal abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, and increase of Proteobacteria, changes which were not observed with lower dietary intake of iron at 100 ppm. Overall, altering dietary iron intake exacerbated DSS-induced colitis; increasing the iron content of the diet also led to changes in intestinal bacteria diversity and composition after colitis was induced with DSS.
3D Images of Neuronal Adhesion Molecule Contactin-2 Reveal an Unanticipated Two-State Architecture
Authors: Lu Z. , Lei D. , Seshadrinathan S. , Szwed A. , Liu J. , Liu J. , Rudenko G. , Ren G.
Published: August 2018

Contactins (CNTNs) are important cell adhesion molecules that mediate neuronal and axoglial contacts, and lesions in these molecules are linked to neuropsychiatric disorders. The extracellular domain of CNTNs contains six Ig domains and four FNIII domains. Crystal structures have shown that Ig1-Ig4 forms a horseshoe-shaped headpiece, in which the N-terminal domains might fold back on the C-terminal domains to form molecular super-U shaped architecture. The arrangement of these domains has been controversial, which may due to the structural dynamics and conformation heterogeneity of the protein. Here, we used a single-molecule 3D imaging method, individual-particle electron tomography (IPET), to study the extracellular domain of CNTN2 that forms monomers with a broad spectrum of conformations, and obtained 60 three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions. In addition to the known horseshoe-shaped headpiece, ~75% headpieces unexpectedly adopt an open (elongated) or a semi-open conformations contributed to our understanding about structural dynamics. The ectodomains formed curve but not double-back in any uniform way, with an averaged molecular dimension of ~255 Å. The first-time demonstration of the dynamic nature and conformational preferences of the full-length CNTN2 ectodomain suggest that the headpiece exists in equilibrium in the ‘closed’ or ‘not-closed’ states. The important architecture may provide a structural platform for protein partners to influence this balance regulating the function of CNTN2. Encoding the ability of this neural adhesion molecule to form both homomers with itself, as well as recruit different protein partner to neuronal and axoglial contact points play the key role in mediating cell-cell interactions.
Programmed mutation of liver fluke granulin using CRISPR/Cas9 attenuates virulence of infection-induced hepatobiliary morbidity
Authors: Arunsan Patpicha , Ittiprasert Wannaporn , Smout Michael J. , Cochran Christina J. , Mann Victoria H. , Chaiyadet Sujittra , Karinshak Shannon E. , Sripa Banchob , Young Neil D. , Sotillo Javier , Loukas Alex , Brindley Paul J. , Laha Thewarach
Published: August 2018

Infections with several flatworm parasites represent group 1 biological carcinogens, i.e. definite causes of cancer. Infection with the food-borne liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini causes cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Whereas the causative agent for most cancers, including CCA in the West, remains obscure, the principal risk factor for CCA in Thailand is opisthorchiasis. We exploited this established link to explore the role of the secreted parasite growth factor termed liver fluke granulin (Ov-GRN-1) in pre-malignant lesions of the biliary tract. We targeted the Ov-grn-1 gene for programmed knockout and investigated gene-edited parasites in vitro and in experimentally infected hamsters. Both adult and juvenile stages of the liver fluke were transfected with a plasmid encoding a guide RNA sequence specific for exon 1 of Ov-grn-1 and the Cas9 nuclease. Deep sequencing of amplicon libraries from genomic DNA from gene-edited parasites exhibited programmed, Cas9-catalyzed mutations within the Ov-grn-1 locus, and tandem analyses by RT-PCR and western blot revealed rapid depletion of Ov-grn-1 transcripts and protein. Newly excysted juvenile flukes that had undergone editing of Ov-grn-1 colonized the biliary tract, grew and developed over a period of 60 days, were active and motile, and induced a clinically relevant pathophysiological tissue phenotype of attenuated biliary hyperplasia and fibrosis in comparison to infection with wild type flukes. This is the first report of gene knock-out using CRISPR/Cas9 in a parasitic flatworm, demonstrating the activity and utility of the process for functional genomics in these pathogens. The striking clinical phenotype highlights the role in virulence that liver fluke growth factors play in biliary tract morbidity during chronic opisthorchiasis.
Restructuring grain production in China: regional heterogeneity and its causality
Authors: Zheng Xuyuan , Liu Weiping , Xu Zhigang , Ying Ruiyao , Ye Chunhui
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the heterogeneity of regional grain production distribution in China, by examining the regional heterogeneity of absolute and relative changes in grain planting acreage, and explain it in terms of increasing labor costs and difficulties in agricultural inputs adjustment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from official statistical yearbooks and the satellite remote sensing image data of Landsat TM 30 m. Multivariate analysis is conducted to examine the effect of labor cost, difficulty in replacing agricultural input factors and other factors underpinning changes in grain acreage and grain structure adjustment.

Findings

The heterogeneity of changes in grain acreage and proportion of arable area for grain production are mainly determined using the labor cost and difficulties in the replacement of agricultural input factors.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to systematically analyze the heterogeneity in restructuring grain production at provincial level and its causes. The results not only provide evidence of grain production restructuring at regional level, but also contribute to the understanding of the law of structural change in agricultural production.
Increasing the effectiveness of the Chinese grain subsidy: a quantitative analysis
Authors: Yi Fujin , McCarl Bruce
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the grain production implications of alternative designs for China’s grain subsidy policy. In particular, the authors examine three subsidy designs including area-based subsidy, quantity-based subsidy and production-cost-based subsidy.

Design/methodology/approach

To carry out the analysis, the authors develop a Chinese agricultural sector model (CASM) and an econometric, policy action–farmer response summary model. The CASM is used under a wide variety of subsidy level and basis experiments to generate pseudo data on farmer reactions to subsidies. Then a summary function model was estimated over those pseudo data that quantitatively summarized modeled farmer responses to different grain subsidy schemes. In turn, the summary functions were used to optimize the subsidy level such that it maximized grain production both within and across the area-based, quantity-based and cost-based subsidies. Regional implications were also developed.

Findings

The authors found that the production-quantity-based subsidy is the most cost-effective in stimulating grain production among the subsidy schemes. The authors also argue that scheme complies with WTO regulations regarding product-specific support. The authors found that the areas where grain production was most affected were the traditional grain-producing regions.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge the authors have not seen a study of the Chinese grain subsidy program context that examined the effects of alternative subsidy schemes, nor one that developed estimates of the optimal subsidy level. In addition, the methodology is unique employing bottom-up, regionally disaggregated, sector modeling coupled with an aggregate pseudo data based summary function approach providing a new, original approach for analyzing agricultural policy design.
Advancing small island resilience and inclusive development through a convergence strategy in Carles, Philippines
Authors: Molina Jesusa Grace
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Various natural, socio-cultural and economic risks confront the people of Gigantes Islands in the municipality of Carles. The islands’ exposure to these hazards has aggravated poverty in the locality as demonstrated in the prevalence of unsafe livelihood activities and lack of access to health facilities. The onslaught of Supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013 has led to environmental and economic destruction, which prompted UP Visayas Foundation, Inc. to implement the Rehabilitation for Island Sustainability and Empowerment Gigantes Project, a rehabilitation initiative for the islands. The Frontline program contributed in enhancing its implementation through inclusive risk profiling. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

One of the actions done to promote small island resilience was the institutionalization of convergence strategy to consolidate post-disaster and development efforts of government and non-government organizations at different levels. The formation of Island Sustainable Development Alliance, Inc., an umbrella organization of community-based groups involved in disaster preparedness and natural resource management, has demonstrated the beauty of convergence.

Findings

Good relationships, resource mobilization and shared responsibility among stakeholders became evident as a result of collaboration. Despite challenges on consolidating the barangay development councils due to varying priorities, and conflicting interests due to survival, the strategy led to significant impacts toward addressing vulnerabilities and isolation.

Originality/value

To sustain the initiative, capacity-building and advocacy efforts are implemented continuously on the ground to promote ownership and inclusive development.
Women’s entrepreneurship and internationalization: patterns and trends
Authors: Ratten Vanessa , Tajeddini Kayhan
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on women’s entrepreneurship and internationalization in order to build an understanding about future trends. There is increasing interest in the role of women in entrepreneurship yet little research has been conducted about the link to internationalization patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature is reviewed based on a systematic analysis of the words women, female, gender and internationalization.

Findings

Three main schools of thought around women’s entrepreneurship and internationalization (philosophy, management and motivations) are then discussed. The analysis of literature and classification into main theories enables the building of new research around women’s entrepreneurship and internationalization.

Originality/value

There is a pipeline of women intending to become entrepreneurs so this paper helps to understand how women entrepreneurs influence internationalization patterns and how to help support women in their business endeavors.
Community belongingness and subjective well-being among unemployed people in a Finnish community
Authors: Toikko Timo , Pehkonen Aini
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Community belongingness (CB) has been found to be positively associated with subjective well-being (SWB). Scholars have verified this connection with different social groups. In the present study, the authors are interested in the group of unemployed people and compare their situation to employed people. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether a sense of community belonging prevents negative impacts of unemployment on SWB.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a survey conducted in 2016. The data consists of 830 respondents from which 723 had the labor market status (LMS) of employed people and 107 had the LMS of unemployed people.

Findings

The results of this study show that there are both positive and negative factors which support or weaken CB. Interpersonal trust supports the sense of community belonging of individuals, but loneliness weakens their CB. However, unemployed people have a lower rate of CB and SWB comparing to employed people. Furthermore, CB is positively associated with SWB, but this connection is conditional in order that a high rate of CB buffers the negative impacts of unemployment.

Originality/value

The study emphasizes the significance of CB as a basis of SWB. On the other hand, the negative impacts of unemployment can be mitigated by supporting integration of unemployed people into social communities. From a sociopolitical view, the results underline the fact that governmental measurements promote the social inclusion of unemployed people.
Better leadership, higher work engagement? Comparative study on Finnish and Russian private sector employees
Authors: Saari Tiina , Melin Harri , Balabanova Evgeniya , Efendiev Azer
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper focuses on the relationship between leadership and work engagement (WE) in Finnish and Russian private sector organizations. The purpose of this paper is to analyze how Finland and Russia differ in the level of WE; in the level of satisfaction with leadership and in specific components of leadership as most important antecedents for WE.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis of this study is based on survey data collected in Finland and Russia. The analysis focuses on 1,570 Finnish and 490 Russian private sector, full-time employees with permanent contracts, who have no managerial responsibilities. The data are analyzed using descriptive methods and binary logistic regression analysis.

Findings

The results show, first, that both satisfaction of leadership and WE are higher in Finland than in Russia. Second, WE in Finland is facilitated by nearly all components of leadership – both materialistic- and relationship-based – while in Russia WE is predicted by rewarding good performers and such relationship-based practices as feedback, delegating responsibility, discussing work matters, and building trust. Contrary to the hypothesis, such materialistic-based components as providing equal treatment turned out to be insignificant for WE in Russia.

Practical implications

Organizations should invest in leadership quality to enhance WE and thus, to get a competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This study adds to the limited comparative research on WE and its predictors.
Millennial’s engagement with fashion brands
Authors: Samala Nagaraj , Singh Sapna
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Millennials are more fashion conscious, relate themselves to the fashion brands they wear. This concept of brand engagement with self-concept (BESC) studies with other marketing variables yields interesting results. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of BESC with brand love and brand advocacy of millennials toward their favorite fashion brands. The study also tests the moderating role of millennials’ involvement and knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 621 graduate student millennials of a university. Hayes process macros is used to test the moderated-mediation model.

Findings

The study confirms the complementary mediating role of BESC and enhances the moderating role of involvement and knowledge. Millennials with high involvement and knowledge enhance the positive relationship between brand love, BESC and brand advocacy.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing literature of self-concept theory and provides useful insights for fashion marketers about millennials.
The effects of ultrasonication on epoxy resin and its emulsion
Authors: Liu Lizhu , Hu Guangkai , Zhang Xiaorui , Ling Weng , Zhang Jiawen
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The effects of ultrasonication on the epoxy resin and its emulsion were investigated to find out the changes in the Mηand molecular structure of epoxy, as well as its room temperature storage stability, centrifugal stability, particle size and its distribution and particle morphology more importantly with the influence of different ultrasonic irradiation time, power and temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

The emulsion was prepared using an emulsifier with epoxy resin and by using phase inversion after subjecting to ultrasound irradiation with a power of 200 W at 50°C for 60 min. The changes in the epoxy resin and its emulsion induced by ultrasound were characterized by Ubbelohde viscometer, FT-IR,13C-NMR, high-speed desktop centrifuge, laser particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscope.

Findings

The molecular weight of the epoxy resin was initially decreased and then stabilized by the increasing of ultrasonic irradiation time. The mole rate of the epoxy groups in epoxy molecular were decreased by about 14 per cent, resulting from ultrasonic irradiation. The particle size of the emulsion was decreased, while the particle size distribution became uniform in a certain time. The narrow distribution, stable and uniform of waterborne epoxy resin emulsion with more than 60 days room temperature storage period, 80 per cent of the supernatant volume, about 220 nm average particle size was gained with a power of 200 W at 50°C for 60 min.

Research limitations/implications

To overcome the problems commonly encountered with an epoxy emulsion, for example, short storage period and wider particle size, which limit its practical application, the effects of ultrasonic irradiation on the epoxy resin and its emulsion, were investigated. As the stability of emulsion was improved with the introduction of ultrasonic irradiation, the application of epoxy emulsion was improved.

Originality/value

The room temperature storage stability and centrifugal stability of the emulsion were decreased by the mechanical method, and thus, the benefit of an in-depth understanding of the influence of ultrasonic treatment on epoxy resin and its emulsion could further promote the development of water-based coatings.
The use of hydroxyethyl cellulose as a transparent filling material in finishing polish
Authors: Erkmen Jülide
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This study aims to propose a solution to decrease the environmental pollution caused by alkyd resins that harm the environment during their production and use.

Design/methodology/approach

A commercially produced polish formulation was used in the study. To reduce the use of this formulation in finishing polish, a water-saturated transparent solution of hydroxyethyl cellulose was used as a transparent filling material.

Findings

The use of hydroxyethyl cellulose at its optimum concentration in finishing polish only reduced the gloss by 0.027 per cent. The amount of alkyd was reduced by 24 per cent in weight.

Research limitations/implications

The literature contained highly limited information on this subject. No transparent filling material was found. Thus, no comparison can be made with other studies.

Practical implications

The results obtained from this study can help manufacturers in the polish industry to produce varnish in a more cost-effective and eco-friendly way.

Originality/value

Considerable amount of volatile organic compounds released into the atmosphere as a result of the use of solvent-based dye/varnishes in the woodworking industry alone proves the importance of water-based systems. The results of this study indicate both economic and environmental gain.
Phenalkamine curing agents for epoxy resin: characterization and structure property relationship
Authors: Wazarkar Kunal , Sabnis Anagha S.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to synthesize structurally different phenalkamines based on cardanol, a renewable material obtained from cashew nut shell liquid, and to evaluate their effect on performance properties of the coatings.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, the Mannich reaction between cardanol, formaldehyde and various diamines such as diaminodiphenyl methane (DDM), hexamethylene diamine, Jeffamine D400 and Jeffamine T403 were carried out to produce novel phenalkamines. Resultant phenalkamines were used as curing agents for commercial DGEBPA epoxy resin and were evaluated for performance properties.

Findings

The mechanical, optical, chemical, thermal and anticorrosive properties were evaluated and compared with those of commercial phenalkamine AG141. It was observed that anticorrosive properties evaluated using a salt spray test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed significant improvement in anticorrosive performance of coatings cured with synthesized phenalkamines based on DDM and T403 as compared to the coatings based on commercial phenalkamine AG141.

Research limitations/implications

To obtain optimum performance properties of the coatings, a combination of phenalkamines can be used.

Practical implications

Curing time and gel times of all the phenalkamines can be further studied under wet and humid conditions. In addition, the variation in coating properties under humid conditions can be investigated.

Originality/value

In this study, newer phenalkamines were synthesized and used as curing agents for epoxy coatings. So far, there have been no reports indicating the synthesis and application of phenalkamines based on polyetheramines, namely, Jeffamine D400 and Jeffamine T403, in coating applications.
Castellated cruciform steel columns
Authors: Farajpourbonab Ebrahim , Showkati Hossein , Kute Sunil
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The main function of the castellation process is making I-sections stiffer by increasing the height of web and supplying a higher moment capacity of primary axis than plain-webbed members of the same weight. In addition, it optimizes the use of heavy, costly constructional steel material and provides good services accessibility. The purpose of this study was to investigate the strength and buckling behavior of axially loaded castellated cruciform steel columns using finite element analysis. Although a significant body of research exists on the failure of different columns, there is no proper criterion introduced to determine the point of buckling in the equilibrium path of an imperfect column.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers a wide range of practical geometric dimensions and various end conditions using ANSYS software. Findings are reported for about 224 samples of castellated cruciform I-shaped sections, and a simplified approach to evaluate buckling capacity of castellated columns, using the slenderness-load curve, is developed. In addition, the axial compressive capacities of those steel sections are investigated numerically in the current study.

Findings

The results of nonlinear analyses of these columns revealed that the load-carrying capacity of castellated cruciform steel columns far outweighs and is more appropriate than that of the traditional cruciform steel columns. In the present paper, new geometric criteria have been introduced having the ability to cover different types of columns. It shows the critical load of columns in the range of elastic and inelastic behavior.

Practical implications

This study can provide a background for practical engineering applications and design specifications for steel structures with castellated sections. In the present paper, new geometric criteria have been introduced having the ability to cover different types of columns. It shows the critical load of columns showing both elastic and inelastic behavior. Because this method showed reliable performance, it can be used during experimental tests for detecting buckling point.

Originality/value

This study can provide background for practical engineering applications and design specifications for steel structures with castellated sections; also, a physical criterion has been defined for calculating the buckling load of real columns.
Production and characterization of organic solar cells
Authors: Uyanga Kindness A.M. , Okwu Modestus Okechukwu , Adeoye A.O. , Ogbeide S.E.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The study aims to carry out the production of a bulk heterojunction organic solar cell in a laboratory scale using a blend of poly (3-hexylthiopene) (P3HT) and [6, 6]-phenyl (C61) butyric acid methyl ether (PCBM).

Design/methodology/approach

Four inverted geometry organic solar cells were prepared based on 1:1 ratio of P3HT to PCBM and subjected to post annealing at different temperatures of 32, 120, 130 and 140°C. Solar cells were fabricated with structure glass/ITO/P3HT:PCBM/PEDOT:PSS/Au and characterized using Keithley 2400 series sourcemeter and a multimeter interfaced to a computer system with a LabVIEW software, which showed both dark and illumination current–voltage characteristic curves. Four reference cells were also fabricated with structure soda lime glass/P3HT:PCBM and annealed at different temperatures of 32, 120, 130 and 140°C.

Findings

The third organic solar cell prepared, Sample CITO, had the best performance with power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.0281 per cent, fill factor (FF) of 0.392, short circuit current of −0.0133 A and open circuit voltage of 0.389 V. Annealing of active layer was found to improve cell morphology, FF and PCE. Annealing of the active layer at 140°C resulted in a decrease of the PCE to 2.01 per cent.

Research limitations/implications

These findings are in good agreement with previous investigation in literature which reported that best annealing temperature for a 1:1 ratio blend of active material is 130°C. Ultraviolet–visible spectra on reference cells showed that sample CITO had wider absorption spectra with peak absorbance at a wavelength of 508 nm.

Originality/value

This research is purely original.
Influence of magnetohydrodynamics on peristaltic flow of a Walters B fluid in an inclined asymmetric channel with heat transfer
Authors: Ramesh K. , Devakar M.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to study the effect of heat transfer on the peristaltic flow of a magnetohydrodynamic Walters B fluid through a porous medium in an inclined asymmetric channel.

Design/methodology/approach

The approximate analytical solutions of the governing partial differential equations are obtained using the regular perturbation method by taking wave number as a small parameter. The solutions for the pressure difference and friction forces are evaluated using numerical integration.

Findings

It is noticed that the pressure gradient and pressure difference are increasing functions of inclination angle and Grashof number. The temperature and heat transfer coefficients both increase with increase in inclination angle, Darcy number, Grashof number and Prandtl number. Increase in Hartmann number and phase difference decreases the size of trapped bolus.

Originality/value

The problem is original, as no work has been reported on the effect of magnetohydrodynamics on the peristaltic flow of a Walters B fluid through a porous medium in an inclined asymmetric channel with heat transfer.
Effects of adding mineral adsorbents to porous concrete for enhancing the quality performance of urban runoff systems
Authors: Mousavi Sayed-Farhad , Karami Hojat , Farzin Saeed , Teymouri Ehsan
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This study aims to use porous concrete and mineral adsorbents (additives) for reducing the quantity and improving the quality of urban runoff.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of adding mineral adsorbents and fine grains to porous concrete is tested for increasing its performance in improving the quality of urban runoff. Two levels of sand (10 and 20 per cent) and 5, 10 and 15 per cent of zeolite, perlite, LECA and pumice were added to the porous concrete. Unconfined compressive strength, hydraulic conductivity (permeability) and porosity of the porous concrete specimens were measured. Some of the best specimens were selected for testing the improvement of runoff quality. A rainfall simulator was designed and the quality of the runoff was investigated for changes in electrical conductivity (EC), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS) and chemical oxygen demand (COD).

Findings

The results of this study showed that compressive strength of the porous concrete was increased by adding fine grains to the concrete mixture. Fine grains decreased the permeability and porosity of the samples. Zeolite had the highest compressive strength. Samples having pumice own maximum permeability. Samples which had perlite, had the least compressive strength and permeability. Because of the fast flow of runoff water in the porous slab and its low thickness, sufficient time was not provided for effective functioning of the additives, and the removal percentage of the pollution parameters was low.

Originality/value

Porous concrete can ameliorate both quantity and quality of the urban runoff.
NGF gene polymorphisms are not associated with heroin dependence in a Taiwanese male population
Authors: Tsou Chang‐Chih , Kuo Shin‐Chang , Chen Chun‐Yen , Lu Ru‐Band , Wang Tso‐Jen , Huang San‐Yuan
Published: August 2018

Background and Objectives

Heroin dependence (HD) is a chronic relapsing brain illness with substantial heritability. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a crucial modulator in the neurodevelopment, and may be a key mediator of reward processes in HD. The purpose of this genetic study was to investigate whether NGF gene polymorphisms associate with the occurrence of HD and the specific personality traits of patients with HD.

Methods

We selected a homogeneous Han Chinese male population to overcome possible confounding effects of population and gender. For the study, 272 HD patients and 141 controls completed the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire to evaluate their personality traits. In addition, a further sample 303 HD patients and 204 controls was added (with totally 920 participants) for the gene association and genotype‐phenotype interaction studies.

Results

Patients with HD had higher novelty seeking (NS) and harm avoidance (HA) scores than healthy subjects. Nonetheless, NGF gene polymorphisms did not associate with specific personality traits in HD patients and controls. There is no significant difference in NGF gene polymorphisms between patients with HD and controls.

Discussion and Conclusions

The NGF gene may neither contribute to the risk of development of HD, nor mediate the relationship between specific personality traits and HD in Han Chinese male population.

Scientific Significance

Patients with HD had higher novelty seeking (NS) and harm avoidance (HA) scores than healthy subjects. However, none of the polymorphisms in the NGF gene affected the NS and HA scores in both patients and healthy subjects. (Am J Addict 2018;27:516–523)