bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can sleep protect memories from catastrophic forgetting?
Authors: González Oscar C. , Sokolov Yury , Krishnan Giri P. , Bazhenov Maxim
Published: March 2019

Continual learning remains to be an unsolved problem in artificial neural networks. Biological systems have evolved mechanisms by which they can prevent catastrophic forgetting of old knowledge during new training and allow lifelong learning. Building upon data suggesting the importance of sleep in learning and memory, here we test a hypothesis that sleep protects memories from catastrophic forgetting. We found that training in a thalamocortical network model of a “new” memory that interferes with previously stored “old” memory may result in degradation and forgetting of the old memory trace. Simulating NREM sleep immediately after new learning leads to replay, which reverses the damage and ultimately enhances both old and new memory traces. Surprisingly, we found that sleep replay goes beyond recovering old memory traces that were damaged by new learning. When a new memory competes for the neuronal/synaptic resources previously allocated to the old memory, sleep replay changes the synaptic footprint of the old memory trace to allow for the overlapping populations of neurons to store multiple memories. Different neurons become preferentially supporting different memory traces to allow successful recall. We compared synaptic weight dynamics during sleep replay with that during interleaved training – a common approach to overcome catastrophic forgetting in artificial networks – and found that interleaved training promotes synaptic competition and weakening of reciprocal synapses, effectively reducing an ensemble of neurons contributing to memory recall. This leads to suboptimal recall performance compared to that after sleep. Together, our results suggest that sleep provides a powerful mechanism to achieve continual learning by combining consolidation of new memory traces with reconsolidation of old memory traces to minimize memory interference.
Demonstration of simultaneous biological sulphate reduction and partial sulphide oxidation in a hybrid linear flow channel reactor
Authors: Marais TS , Huddy RJ , Harrison STL , van Hille RP
Published: March 2019

Semi-passive remediation systems have the potential to treat low-volume, sulphate-rich, mining impacted waters in a cost-effective and sustainable way. This paper describes the “proof of concept” evaluation of a hybrid linear flow channel reactor, capable of sustaining efficient biological sulphate reduction and partial oxidation of the sulphide product to elemental sulphur. Key elements include the presence of a sulphate-reducing microbial community, immobilised onto carbon fibres and the rapid development of a floating biofilm at the air-liquid interface. The biofilm consists of heterotrophic species and autotrophic sulphide oxidisers. It impedes oxygen mass transfer into the bulk volume and creates a suitable pH-redox microenvironment for partial sulphide oxidation. Demonstration of the concept was successful, with near 20 complete reduction of the sulphate in the feed (1 g/l), effective management of the sulphide generated (95-100% removal) and recovery of a portion of the sulphur by harvesting the elemental-sulphur-rich biofilm. The biofilm re-formed within 24 hours of harvesting, with no decrease in volumetric sulphate reduction rate during this period. Colonisation of the carbon microfibers by sulphate reducing bacteria ensured biomass retention, suggesting the reactor could remain effective at high volumetric flow rates.
Differences in Genetic Liability for Insomnia and Hypersomnia in Bipolar Disorder Subtypes
Authors: Lewis Katie J S , Richards Alexander , Leonenko Ganna , Jones Samuel E , Jones Hannah , Gordon-Smith Katherine , Forty Liz , Escott-Price Valentina , Owen Michael J , Weedon Michael N , Jones Lisa , Craddock Nick , Jones Ian , O’Donovan Michael C , Di Florio Arianna
Published: March 2019

Background

Insomnia and hypersomnia are common in bipolar disorder (BD) but it is unclear whether genetic factors influence this association. Stratifying by bipolar subtypes could elucidate the nature of this association and inform research on sleep and BD. We therefore aimed to determine whether polygenic risk scores (PRS) for insomnia, daytime sleepiness and sleep duration differ according to bipolar subtypes (bipolar I disorder, BD-I or bipolar II disorder, BD-II).

Methods

In this case-control study, we used multinomial regression to determine whether PRS for insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and sleep duration were associated with risk of BD-I or BD-II when compared to each other and to controls. Cases (n=4672) were recruited within the United Kingdom from the Bipolar Disorder Research Network. Controls (n=5714) were recruited from the 1958 British Birth Cohort and UK Blood Service. All participants were of European ancestry. Clinical subtypes of BD were determined by semi-structured psychiatric interview (the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry) and case notes.

Results

Within cases, 3404 and 1268 met DSM-IV criteria for BD-I and BD-II, respectively. Insomnia PRS was associated with increased risk of BD-II (RR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.07-1.21,P= 8.26 × 10−5) but not BD-I (RR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.94-1.03,P= .409) relative to controls. In contrast, sleep duration PRS was associated with increased relative risk of BD-I (RR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.06-1.15,P= 1.13 × 10−5), but not BD-II (RR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.93-1.06,P= .818). Daytime sleepiness PRS was associated with an increased risk of BD-I (RR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02-1.11,P= .005) and BD-II (RR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.07-1.22,P= 3.22 × 10−5) compared to controls, but did not distinguish subtypes from each other.

Conclusions

Bipolar subtypes differ in genetic liability to insomnia and sleep duration. Our findings provide further evidence that the distinction between BD-I and BD-II has biological and genetic validity. This distinction will be critical in the selection of participants for future research on the role of sleep disturbance in BD.
Retrospective inference as a form of bounded rationality, and its beneficial influence on learning
Authors: FitzGerald Thomas HB , Penny Will D. , Bonnici Heidi M , Adams Rick A
Published: March 2019

Probabilistic models of cognition typically assume that agents make inferences about current states by combining new sensory information with fixed beliefs about the past, an approach known as Bayesian filtering. This is computationally parsimonious, but, in general, leads to suboptimal beliefs about past states, since it ignores the fact that new observations typically contain information about the past as well as the present. This is disadvantageous both because knowledge of past states may be intrinsically valuable, and because it impairs learning about fixed or slowly changing parameters of the environment. For these reasons, in offline data analysis it is usual to infer on every set of states using the entire time series of observations, an approach known as (fixed-interval) Bayesian smoothing. Unfortunately, however, this is impractical for real agents, since it requires the maintenance and updating of beliefs about an ever-growing set of states. We propose an intermediate approach, finite retrospective inference (FRI), in which agents perform update beliefs about a limited number of past states. (Formally, this represents online fixed-lag smoothing with a sliding window.) This can be seen as a form of bounded rationality in which agents seek to optimise the accuracy of their beliefs subject to computational and other resource costs. We show through simulation that this approach has the capacity to significantly increase the accuracy of both inference and learning, using a simple variational scheme applied to both randomly generated Hidden Markov models (HMMs), and a specific application of the HMM, in the form of the widely used probabilistic reversal task. Our proposal thus constitutes a theoretical contribution to normative accounts of bounded rationality, which makes testable empirical predictions that can be explored in future work.
Xenogeneic regulation of the ClpCP protease ofBacillus subtilisby a phage-encoded adaptor-like protein
Authors: Mulvenna Nancy , Hantke Ingo , Burchell Lynn , Nicod Sophie , Turgay Kürşad , Wigneshweraraj Sivaramesh
Published: March 2019

SPO1 phage infection ofBacillus subtilisresults in a comprehensive remodelling of processes leading to conversion of the bacterial cell into a factory for phage progeny production. A cluster of 26 genes in the SPO1 genome, called the host takeover module, encodes for potentially cytotoxic proteins for the specific shut down of various host processes including transcription, DNA synthesis and cell division. However, the properties and bacterial targets of many genes of the SPO1 host takeover module remain elusive. Through a systematic analysis of gene products encoded by the SPO1 host takeover module we identified eight gene products which attenuatedB. subtilisgrowth. Out of the eight gene products that attenuated bacterial growth, a 25 kDa protein, called Gp53, was shown to interact with the AAA+ chaperone protein ClpC of the ClpCP protease ofB. subtilis. Results reveal that Gp53 functions like a phage encoded adaptor protein and thereby appears to alter the substrate specificity of the ClpCP protease to modulate the proteome of the infected cell to benefit efficient SPO1 phage progeny development. It seems that Gp53 represents a novel strategy used by phages to acquire their bacterial prey.

Significance statement

Viruses of bacteria (phages) represent the most abundant living entities on the planet, and many aspects of our fundamental knowledge of phage–bacteria relationships remain elusive. Many phages encode specialised small proteins, which modulate essential physiological processes in bacteria in order to convert the bacterial cell into a ‘factory’ for phage progeny production – ultimately leading to the demise of the bacterial cell. We describe the identification of several antibacterial proteins produced by a prototypical phage that infectsBacillus subtilisand describe how one such protein subverts the protein control system of its host to benefit phage progeny development. The results have broad implications for our understanding of phage–bacteria relationships and the therapeutic application of phages and their gene products.
Transduction of gluconeogenic enzymes prolongs cone photoreceptor survival and function in models of retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Chinchore Yashodhan , Begaj Tedi , Guillermeir Christelle , Steinhauser Matthew L. , Punzo Claudio , Cepko Constance L.
Published: March 2019

The hereditary nature of many retinal degenerative disorders makes them potentially amenable to corrective gene therapies. Numerous clinical trials are ongoing with the goal to rectify the genetic defect in the afflicted cell types. However, the personalized nature of these approaches excludes many patients for whom the underlying mutation is not mapped, or the number of affected individuals is too few to develop a commercially viable therapy (vide infra). Thus, a therapy that can delay visual impairment irrespective of the underlying genetic etiology can satisfy this unmet medical need. Here, we demonstrate the utility of such an approach in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) by promoting survival of cone photoreceptors by targeting metabolic stress. These cells are not primarily affected by the inherited mutation, but their non-autonomous demise leads to a decline in daylight vision, greatly reducing the quality of life. We designed adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors that promote gluconeogenesis- a pathway found in the liver which produces glucose in response to hypoglycemia. Retinal transduction with these vectors resulted in improved cone survival and delayed a decline in visual acuity in three different RP mouse models. Because this approach extended visual function independent of the primary mutation, therapies emanating from this approach could be used as a treatment option for a genetically heterogenous cohort of patients.
Ciliary Genesarl13b,ahi1andcc2d2aDifferentially Modify Expression of Visual Acuity Phenotypes but do not Enhance Retinal Degeneration due to Mutation ofcep290 in Zebrafish
Authors: Lessieur Emma M. , Song Ping , Nivar Gabrielle C. , Piccillo Ellen M. , Fogerty Joseph , Rozic Richard , Perkins Brian D.
Published: March 2019

Mutations in the gene Centrosomal Protein 290 kDa (CEP290) result in multiple ciliopathies ranging from the neonatal lethal disorder Meckel-Gruber Syndrome to multi-systemic disorders such as Joubert Syndrome and Bardet-Biedl Syndrome to nonsyndromic diseases like Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) and retinitis pigmentosa. Results from model organisms and human genetics studies, have suggest that mutations in genes encoding protein components of the transition zone (TZ) and other cilia-associated proteins can function as genetic modifiers and be a source forCEP290pleiotropy. We investigated the zebrafishcep290fh297/fh297mutant, which encodes a nonsense mutation (p.Q1217*). This mutant is viable as adults, exhibits scoliosis, and undergoes a slow, progressive cone degeneration. Thecep290fh297/fh297mutants showed partial mislocalization of the transmembrane protein rhodopsin but not of the prenylated proteins rhodopsin kinase (GRK1) or the rod transducin subunit GNB1. Surprisingly, photoreceptor degeneration did not trigger proliferation of Müller glia, but proliferation of rod progenitors in the outer nuclear layer was significantly increased. To determine if heterozygous mutations in other cilia genes could exacerbate retinal degeneration, we bredcep290fh297/fh297mutants toarl13b, ahi1,andcc2d2amutant zebrafish lines. Whilecep290fh297/fh297mutants lacking a single allele of these genes did not exhibit accelerated photoreceptor degeneration, loss of one alleles ofarl13borahi1reduced visual performance in optokinetic response assays at 5 days post fertilization. Our results indicate that thecep290fh297/fh297mutant is a useful model to study the role of genetic modifiers on photoreceptor degeneration in zebrafish and to explore how progressive photoreceptor degeneration influences regeneration in adult zebrafish.

Nonstandard abbreviations

BBS

Bardet-Biedl Syndrome

COS

cone outer segments

Dpf

Days post fertilization

GNB1

rod transducin β subunit

GRK1

rhodopsin kinase

JTBS

Joubert Syndrome

LCA

Leber Congenital Amaurosis

MKS

Meckel Syndrome

NPHP

nephronophthisis

OKR

optokinetic response

PNA

peanut agglutinin lectin

ROS

rod outer segments

RP2

Retinitis Pigmentosa 2
Determination of glucosinolate contents in Brassica germplasm collections and inter- & intra-leaves distribution pattern using UPLC-MS/MS Multiple Reaction Monitoring scan mode
Authors: Assefa Awraris Derbie , Choi Susanna , Lee Jae-Eun , Sung Jung-Sook , Hur On-Sook , Ro Na-Young , Lee Ho-Sun , Noh Jaejong , Hwang Aejin , Ko Ho-Cheol , Chung Yun-Jo , Rhee Ju-Hee
Published: March 2019

Intact glucosinolate (GSL) profile (five aliphatic; three aromatic, and one indolic glucosinolate) in the leaves of 50 germplasm collections and commercial cultivars of Brassica rapa, Brassica juncea, and Brassica oleracea collected from six different countries and grown under uniform cultural conditions were compared by UPLC-MS/MS. Total GSLs content ranged from 36.80 to 2383.12 μmol/kg DW. Aliphatic GSLs predominated among the entire samples representing from 23.0 to 98.9% of the total GSLs content, where gluconapin and glucobrassicanapin contributed the greatest proportion. Other GSLs such as, progoitrin (PRO), glucotropaeolin (TRO), and glucobarbarin (BAR) were found in relatively low concentrations. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) yielded three principal components with eigenvalue ≥ 1, representing 70.33% of the total variation across the entire data set. Accessions IT260822 & IT32750, and commercial cultivar, “Hangamssam2”, were well distinguished from other samples in the PCA plot due to their significantly high amount of BAR, glucobrassicin (GBC), and glucoerucin (ERU), respectively. The inter- and intra-leaf variations of GSLs were examined in three kimichi cabbage varieties. The GSLs content varied significantly among leaves in different positions (outer, middle, and inner) and sections within the leaves (top, middle, bottom, green/red, and white). Higher GSL contents were observed in the proximal half & white section of the leaves and inner positions (younger leaves) in most of the samples. GBC, gluconasturtiin (NAS), and glucoberteroin (BER) should be studied profusely in Brassica plants as some of their degradation products of GBC and NAS are useful in cancer chemopreventive functions, whereas BER takes part in the process of suppressing aging of the skin. GSLs are regarded as allelochemicals; hence, the data related to the patterns of GSLs within the leaf and between leaves at different position could be useful to understand the defense mechanism of Brassica plants. The observed variability could be useful for breeders to develop Brassica crops with high GSL content or specific profiles of GSLs as required.
Hydrology-informed metapopulation modeling of liver fluke transmission in the Lawa Lake complex of northeast Thailand
Authors: León Tomás M. , Plermkamon Vichian , Kuntiyawichai Kittiwet , Sripa Banchob , Spear Robert C.
Published: March 2019

While hydrologic processes are intuitively understood to influence transmission dynamics of water-related diseases, limited research exists that explicitly links hydrologic and infectious disease data. In the case of the life cycle of liver flukes, hydrology influences several transmission processes that mediate infection risk for multiple hosts. Northeast Thailand is a hotspot for liver fluke transmission and has strong seasonal flooding patterns. A metapopulation model linking local hydrologic processes with transmission of the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini in a lake system in northeast Thailand was developed and parameterized using infection data from 2008-2016. A rainfall-runoff model and other hydrologic data were used to assess level of connectivity between villages and the influence of upstream communities on parasite distribution in the study area. Disease transmission was modeled with metapopulations representing six village clusters around the lake using known prevalence data from humans, cats and dogs, snails, and fish. The metapopulation model improved upon the single-village model in its match to historical data patterns for the six village clusters with the introduction of the new time-variable parameters. Results suggest there are three unique hydrologic-epidemiologic regimes within the Lawa Lake system in response to upstream watersheds and risk of overland flooding that contribute to risk for O. viverrini infection. While available data may be insufficient to specifically characterize exact transmission dynamics, the practical implications of such findings are the importance of addressing connectivity for any intermediate host-based intervention. Similar approaches using hydrologic data to assess the impacts of water on pathogen transmission dynamics and inform mechanistic disease transmission models could be applied across other water-related disease systems.
7q11.23 Syndromes Reveal BAZ1B as a Master Regulator of the Modern Human Face and Validate the Self-Domestication Hypothesis
Authors: Zanella Matteo , Vitriolo Alessandro , Andirko Alejandro , Martins Pedro Tiago , Sturm Stefanie , O’Rourke Thomas , Laugsch Magdalena , Malerba Natascia , Skaros Adrianos , Trattaro Sebastiano , Germain Pierre-Luc , Merla Giuseppe , Rada-Iglesias Alvaro , Boeckx Cedric , Testa Giuseppe
Published: March 2019

Symmetrical 7q11.23 dosage alterations cause craniofacial and cognitive/behavioral phenotypes that provide a privileged entry point into the evolution of the modern human face and (pro-) sociality. We undertook a functional dissection of chromatin remodeler BAZ1B in neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) from a uniquely informative cohort of typical and atypical patients harboring 7q11.23 Copy Number Variants (CNVs). Our results reveal a key contribution of BAZ1B to NCSCin vitroinduction and migration, coupled with a crucial involvement in neural crest (NC)-specific transcriptional circuits and distal regulation. By intersecting our experimental data with new paleogenetic analyses comparing modern and archaic humans, we uncover a modern-specific enrichment for regulatory changes both in BAZ1B and its experimentally defined downstream targets, thereby providing the first empirical validation of the self-domestication hypothesis and positioning BAZ1B as a master regulator of the modern human face.

One Sentence Summary

BAZ1B dosage shapes the modern human face.
Network analysis allows to unravel breast cancer molecular features and to identify novel targets
Authors: Savino Aurora , Avalle Lidia , Monteleone Emanuele , Miglio Irene , Griffa Alberto , Accetta Giulia , Provero Paolo , Poli Valeria
Published: March 2019

The behaviour of complex biological systems is determined by the orchestrated activity of many components interacting with each other, and can be investigated by networks. In particular, gene co-expression networks have been widely used in the past years thanks to the increasing availability of huge gene expression databases. Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease usually classified either according to immunohistochemical features or by expression profiling, which identifies the 5 subtypes luminal A, luminal B, basal-like, HER2-positive and normal-like. Basal-like tumours are the most aggressive subtype, for which so far no targeted therapy is available.

Making use of the WGCNA clustering method to reconstruct breast cancer transcriptional networks from the METABRIC breast cancer dataset, we developed a platform to address specific questions related to breast cancer biology. In particular, we obtained gene modules significantly correlated with survival and age of onset, useful to understand how molecular features and gene expression patterns are organized in breast cancer. We next generated subtype-specific gene networks and in particular identified two modules that are significantly more connected in basal-like breast cancer with respect to all other subtypes, suggesting relevant biological functions. We demonstrate that network centrality (kWithin) is a suitable measure to identify relevant genes, since we could show that it correlates with clinical features and that it provides a mean to select potential upstream regulators of a module with high reliability. Finally, we showed the feasibility of adding meaning to the networks by combining them with independently obtained data related to activated pathways.

In conclusion, our platform allows to identify groups of genes highly relevant in breast cancer and possibly amenable to drug targeting, due to their ability to regulate survival-related gene networks. This approach could be successfully extended to other BC subtypes, and to all tumor types for which enough expression data are available.
Comparison of single nucleotide variants identified by Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies in the context of a potential outbreak of Shiga Toxin ProducingEscherichia coli
Authors: Greig David R , Jenkins Claire , Gharbia Saheer , Dallman Timothy J
Published: March 2019

Background

We aimed to compare Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) sequencing data from the two isolates of STEC O157:H7 to determine whether concordant single nucleotide variants were identified and whether inference of relatedness was consistent with the two technologies.

Results

For the Illumina workflow, the time from DNA extraction to availability of results, was approximately 40 hours in comparison to the ONT workflow where serotyping, Shiga toxin subtyping variant identification were available within seven hours. After optimisation of the ONT variant filtering, on average 95% of the discrepant positions between the technologies were accounted for by methylated positions found in the described 5-Methylcytosine motif sequences, CC(A/T)GG. Of the few discrepant variants (6 and 7 difference for the two isolates) identified by the two technologies, it is likely that both methodologies contain false calls.

Conclusions

Despite these discrepancies, Illumina and ONT sequences from the same case were placed on the same phylogenetic location against a dense reference database of STEC O157:H7 genomes sequenced using the Illumina workflow. Robust SNP typing using MinION-based variant calling is possible and we provide evidence that the two technologies can be used interchangeably to type STEC O157:H7 in a public health setting.
MultiCapsNet: a interpretable deep learning classifier integrate data from multiple sources
Authors: Wang Lifei , Miao Xuexia , Zhang Jiang , Cai Jun
Published: March 2019

Recent advances in experimental biology have generated huge amount of data. Due to differences present in detection targets and detection mechanisms, the produced data comes with different formats and lengths. There is an urgent call for computational methods to integrate these diverse data. Deep learning model is an ideal tool to cope with complex datasets, but its inherent ‘black box’ nature needs more interpretability. Here, we present MultiCapsNet, a deep learning model built on CapsNet and scCapsNet. The MultiCapsNet model possesses the merits of both easier data integration and higher model interpretability. In the first example, we use the labeled variant call dataset, which is originally used to test the models for automating somatic variant refinement. We divide the 71 features listed in the dataset into eight groups according to data source and data property. Then, the data from those eight groups with different formats and lengths are integrated by our MultiCapsNet to predict the labels associated with each variant call. The performance of our MultiCapsNet matches the previous deep learning model well, given much less parameters than those needed by the previous model. After training, the MultiCapsNet model provides importance scores for each data source directly, while the previous deep learning model needs an extra importance determination step to do so. Despite that our MultiCapsNet model is substantially different from the previous deep learning model and the source importance measuring methods are also different, the importance score correlation between these two models is very high. In the second example, the prior knowledge, including information for protein-protein interactions and protein-DNA interactions, is used to determine the structure of MultiCapsNet model. The single cell RNA sequence data are decoupled into multiple parts according to the structure of MultiCapsNet model that has been integrated with prior knowledge, with each part represents genes influenced by a transcription factor or involved in a protein-protein interaction network and then could be viewed as a data source. The MultiCapsNet model could classify cells with high accuracy as well as reveal the contribution of each data source for cell type recognition. The high ranked contributors are often relevant to the contributed cell type.
Variation analysis driven by small-sample data for compliant aero-structure assembly
Authors: Mei Biao , Zhu Weidong , Ke Yinglin , Zheng Pengyu
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Assembly variation analysis generally demands probability distributions of variation sources. However, due to small production volume in aircraft manufacturing, especially prototype manufacturing, the probability distributions are hard to obtain, and only the small-sample data of variation sources can be consulted. Thus, this paper aims to propose a variation analysis method driven by small-sample data for compliant aero-structure assembly.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a hybrid assembly variation model, integrating rigid effects with flexibility, is constructed based on the homogeneous transformation and elasticity mechanics. Then, the bootstrap approach is introduced to estimate a variation source based on small-sample data. The influences of bootstrap parameters on the estimation accuracy are analyzed to select suitable parameters for acceptable estimation performance. Finally, the process of assembly variation analysis driven by small-sample data is demonstrated.

Findings

A variation analysis method driven by small-sample data, considering both rigid effects and flexibility, is proposed for aero-structure assembly. The method provides a good complement to traditional variation analysis methods based on probability distributions of variation sources.

Practical implications

With the proposed method, even if probability distribution information of variation sources cannot be obtained, accurate estimation of the assembly variation could be achieved. The method is well suited for aircraft assembly, especially in the stage of prototype manufacturing.

Originality/value

A variation analysis method driven by small-sample data is proposed for aero-structure assembly, which can be extended to deal with other similar applications.
Towards human resource development at Hanoi Open University
Authors: Nguyen Hong Thi Thuy
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the roles of human resource development (HRD) in open universities. The study also intends to assess the current situation of HRD at Hanoi Open University (HOU) with an end view of proposing some suggested recommendations to enhance HRD to improve the training quality and effectiveness at HOU.

Design/methodology/approach

The study’s first two parts refer to HRD’s role in open universities. The third one summarizes the existing research literature on HRD used as theoretical base for the author to evaluate the current HRD at HOU in the fourth part. The fifth part involves the methodology to gather the data on HRD practices at HOU while the next two important parts deal with the study’s findings and recommendations for better HRD at HOU. The final part summaries the study’s main points. Referring methodology, the survey data were analyzed through frequency, percentage and weighted mean as statistical tools.

Findings

The study’s findings show that HRD practices at HOU are not as effective as expected in terms of human resource quality, human resource structure and human resource management. There is a shortage of full-time well-qualified employees, inadequate and imbalance working positions, and un-synchronous, fragmented personnel management.

Originality/value

The study’s values are not only useful for building policies on HRD but also for developing strategies to train and foster capable and adequate staff in open universities’ academic environment and in HOU as well.
A workflow-based solution to support the assessment of collaborative activities in e-learning
Authors: Aouine Amina , Mahdaoui Latifa , Moccozet Laurent
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on assessing individuals’ problems in learning groups/teams and should lead to the assessment of the group/team itself as a learning entity.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an extension of the IMS-Learning Design (IMS-LD) meta-model is proposed in order to support the assessment of collaborative activities in e-learning. Besides, the software architecture which consists of a set of components forming a web wizard to create, track and assess the collaborative assessment processes is described as to support that extension of the IMS-LD meta-model.

Findings

With the proposed solution we can: make assessment fairer using individual and collective assessment indicators to assign final scores to learners; make an assessment step by step for better individual and collective monitoring activities; and divide the assessment into lighter phases for the correctors. Consequently, the evaluator will have more detailed information about his/her students and the quality of judgment will be better. This could also be useful for the evaluator in order to plan further examinations.

Research limitations/implications

Further experimentations are necessary to test the effectiveness of the proposed system in order to analyze its performances under a massive usage. In addition, the authors plan to use a survey to collect learners’ opinions to know the effectiveness of the proposal in terms of fairness in the assessment of collaborative activities in an online community.

Originality/value

This paper addresses important issues in the educational area, especially assessment of collaborative activities. In fact, to reduce subjectivity and increase fairness in assessing learners in collaborative work, for example, using the peer assessment, in order to try reducing subjectivity and fairly assessing learners. However, while assessing group work, the same mark is attributed for all group members and authors have concluded that it is not the right approach to make a fair and more objective assessment.
E-learning in tertiary institutions in Botswana: apathy to adoption
Authors: Jaiyeoba Olumide Olasimbo , Iloanya Jane
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nomological web between technology acceptance model metrics such as perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived web privacy of e-learning resources on attitude and behavioural intention of virtual platform for learning by university students.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a quantitative method by using self-administered survey instruments among university students who have at least one year of e-learning experience. Psychometric nomenclature of survey instruments was conducted and the reliability and validity metrics of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, extent of e-learning use, perceived web-based privacy, attitude and behavioural intentions meet the threshold as established in extant literature. Correlation and regression analysis were conducted to explicate hypothesised relationship.

Findings

The study found out that e-learning use, perceived usefulness and attitude are associated with learners behavioural intentions, while perceived ease of use and perceived web-based privacy are not significantly associated with behavioural intentions of e-learners in Botswana. The findings further showed in the regression analysis that the extent of e-learning use, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and attitude are significantly related to behavioural intentions, while the perceived web-based privacy is not significantly related to behavioural intentions.

Practical implications

The e-learning processes thus help outline the effective marketing strategies and promotions or nichemanship among university students which help uncover the influence of innovation metrics on e-learning among the youth target audience in Botswana as the country seeks to achieve a paradigm shift from mineral-led economy to knowledge-based society.

Originality/value

Despite the popularity of e-learning approach as explicated in extant literature, the extent to which such platform is accepted with respect to security and reliability most especially in an emerging economy like Botswana is ambiguous. This study thus seeks to establish the extent to which e-learning in Botho University and Botswana Open University creates a platform for intention to use as regards technological acceptance parsimonious model in Botswana.
Reducing information asymmetry with ICT
Authors: Asongu Simplice , le Roux Sara , Nwachukwu Jacinta , Pyke Chris
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate loan price and quantity effects of information sharing offices with information and communication technology (ICT), in a panel of 162 banks consisting of 42 African countries for the period 2001–2011.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical evidence is based on a panel of 162 banks in 42 African countries for the period 2001–2011. Misspecification errors associated with endogenous variables and unobserved heterogeneity in financial access are addressed with generalized method of moments and instrumental quantile regressions.

Findings

The findings uncover several major themes. First, ICT when integrated with the role of public credit registries significantly lowered the price of loans and raised the quantity of loans. Second, while the net effects from the interaction of ICT with private credit bureaus (PCBs) do not improve financial access, the corresponding marginal effects show that ICT could complement the characteristics of PCBs to reduce loan prices and increase loan quantity, but only when certain thresholds of ICT are attained. The authors compute and discuss the policy implications of these ICT thresholds for banks with low, intermediate and high levels of financial access.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies to assess how the growing ICT can be leveraged in order to reduce information asymmetry in the banking industry with the ultimate aim of improving financial access in a continent where lack of access to finance is a critical policy syndrome.
Investment in working capital and financial constraints
Authors: Laghari Fahmida , Chengang Ye
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between working capital management and corporate performance with financial constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses large panel sample of Chinese listed firms over the period 2005–2015 using system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator that controls unobserved heterogeneity of individual firms well and GMM methodology is robust to address endogeneity issues.

Findings

Empirical evidence finds inverted U-shaped relationship between working capital and corporate performance and exhibits similar evidence for financially constrained firms. Evidence shows impact of high sales and discounts on early payments at low level of working capital and dominance of opportunity cost and cost of external finance at high level of working capital. The findings of the results show that optimal working capital level of financially constrained firms is relatively lower due to high cost of external capital and debt rationing. The results also indicate that on averageNETis significantly lower for firms with Tobin’sQ>1 than firms with Tobin’sQ=1, and suggest that aggressive working capital management is significantly and positively associated with higher corporate values.

Originality/value

This paper is among few that complement the existing literature by providing evidence that inverted U-shaped relationship between working capital management and corporate performance also exists in the context of Chinese listed non-financial firms. Exclusively, the relationship of working capital and corporate performance with linkage of financial constraints is scant in the context of Chinese listed non-financial firms.
The making and sustaining of leaders in health care
Authors: Boyle Terry J. , Mervyn Kieran
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Many nations are focussing on health care’s Triple Aim (quality, overall community health and reduced cost) with only moderate success. Traditional leadership learning programmes have been based on a taught curriculum, but the purpose of this paper is to demonstrate more modern approaches through procedures and tools.

Design/methodology/approach

This study evolved from grounded and activity theory foundations (using semi-structured interviews with ten senior healthcare executives and qualitative analysis) which describe obstructions to progress. The study began with the premise that quality and affordable health care are dependent upon collaborative innovation. The growth of new leaders goes from skills to procedures and tools, and from training to development.

Findings

This paper makes “frugal innovation” recommendations which while not costly in a financial sense, do have practical and social implications relating to the Triple Aim. The research also revealed largely externally driven health care systems under duress suffering from leadership shortages.

Research limitations/implications

The study centred primarily on one Canadian community health care services’ organisation. Since healthcare provision is place-based (contextual), the findings may not be universally applicable, maybe not even to an adjacent community.

Practical implications

The paper dismisses outdated views of the synonymity of leadership and management, while encouraging clinicians to assume leadership roles.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates how health care leadership can be developed and sustained.
Business model innovation in small- and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Müller Julian Marius
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Industry 4.0 is expected to significantly transform industrial value creation. However, research on business models affected through Industry 4.0, and on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), remains scarce. In response, the purpose of this paper is to address both aspects, further elaborating on the role that SMEs can take toward Industry 4.0 as provider or user.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used an exploratory research design based on 43 in-depth expert interviews within the three most important German industry sectors, mechanical and plant engineering, electrical engineering and automotive suppliers. Interviews were conducted with leading personnel of the respective enterprises, including 22 CEOs. They assign business model implications through Industry 4.0, referring to the Business Model Canvas, while the paper delineates between Industry 4.0 providers and users.

Findings

The paper finds that key resources and value proposition are among the most affected elements of the business model, whereas channels are the least affected. Furthermore, distinct characteristics between Industry 4.0 providers and users can be delineated. In general, Industry 4.0 providers’ business models are significantly more affected than users, except for key partners and customer relationships.

Research limitations/implications

Industry 4.0 remains at its early stages of implementation. As a result, many interviewees’ answers remain at a rather general level.

Practical implications

Strategies for the further alignment of the business models are provided for Industry 4.0 providers and users.

Originality/value

The paper is among the few that investigate Industry 4.0 in the context of SMEs and business models.
Gender and water governance in Mexico
Authors: Silva Rodríguez de San Miguel Jorge Alejandro
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at how water management reflects patriarchal considerations or gender biases that inflict a penalty upon Mexican women and enumerates recommendations that can both ameliorate water management across Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach

Peer-reviewed scholarly materials, carefully vetted for empirical worth, for the clarity and soundness of their research methodologies, and for their capacity to account for confounding or complicating factors, are reviewed. Special attention is given to studies, found in academic databases such as EBSCOHost, conducted in the years 2013–2018.

Findings

The Mexican state has finally made some progress in recognizing the hurdles women face in attaining educational equality, but there is not yet the universal application and comity that would ensure appropriate levels of representation in all communities. Mexico will have to do more to compel local actors to give greater credence to the voices of women.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need for further primary research to more comprehensively capture what actions women are taking to carve out a large policy-making space for themselves in a country that has only quite recently begun to realize the contributions women can make to forward-looking water governance policy.

Originality/value

The uneasy confluence between water governance and gender within the Mexican context is an area of growing concern to those interested in how water management systems and protocols shape broader social justice and equality developments across Mexico.
Preliminary evidence of brand acquaintancing on Snapchat
Authors: Sashittal Hemant , Jassawalla Avan
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically derive and test a framework of brand acquaintancing – a new emotional attribution resulting from user-brand interactions on Snapchat, a popular social medium with ephemeral properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus group data were used to derive a framework, hypotheses and measurement scales for explicating the brand acquaintancing construct. Structural coherence of the framework and reliability and validity of scales were tested using a survey sample of Snapchat using students. The purified theoretical model was tested using a nationwide sample of Snapchat users.

Findings

The studies find that Snapchat users are receptive to unknown and stranger brands. Users’ fear of self-disclosure triggers a search for acquaintances on the medium, i.e., acquaintances are sought over friends and intimates. Moreover, unknown and stranger brands encountered on the medium are acquaintance, i.e., awarded the status of an acquaintance.

Research limitations/implications

The studies found Snapchat users receptive to unknown and stranger brands. Users’ fear of self-disclosure triggers a search for acquaintances on the medium, i.e., acquaintances are sought over friends and intimates. Moreover, unknown and stranger brands encountered on the medium are acquaintanced, i.e., they were awarded the status of an acquaintance.

Originality/value

The paper presents empirical evidence of brand acquaintancing on Snapchat, and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of social media platforms to aid scholars and practitioners.
Store love in single brand retailing: the roles of relevant moderators
Authors: Sarkar Abhigyan , Sarkar Juhi Gahlot , Bhatt Gaurav
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how various retail store atmospheric cues can impact store brand loyalty (SBL) via eliciting store brand love. This paper posits that different store brand experiential cues can predict brand love only when the experience is processed based on perceiving the brand as human-like entity, i.e. brand anthropomorphization. Brand love cannot be strongly elicited without the sense of brand anthropomorphization. Moreover, brand love can impact brand loyalty intention only under the moderating condition of perceived firm’s positive relationship marketing orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey was conducted among urban shopping mall consumers, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings support that store brand experience elicited by store environmental cues can better predict store brand love when the store is perceived as human, and store brand love can better predict conative SBL when consumer perceives that the store is having a positive relationship orientation.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in empirically testing the psychological mechanism through which store atmospheric cues lead to SBL.