bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIFα regulates developmental myelination independent of autocrine Wnt signaling
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Wang Yan , Xu Jie , Deng Wenbin , Guo Fuzheng
Published: March 2020

The developing CNS is exposed to physiological hypoxia, under which hypoxia inducible factor alpha (HIFα) is stabilized and plays a crucial role in regulating neural development. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of HIFα in developmental myelination remain incompletely understood. Previous concept proposes that HIFα regulates CNS developmental myelination by activating the autocrine Wnt/β-catenin signaling in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). Here, by analyzing a battery of genetic mice of both sexes, we presentedin vivoevidences supporting an alternative understanding of oligodendroglial HIFα-regulated developmental myelination. At the cellular level, we found that HIFα was required for developmental myelination by transiently controlling upstream OPC differentiation but not downstream oligodendrocyte maturation and that HIFα dysregulation in OPCs but not oligodendrocytes disturbed normal developmental myelination. We demonstrated that HIFα played a minor, if any, role in regulating canonical Wnt signaling in the oligodendroglial lineage or in the CNS. At the molecular level, blocking autocrine Wnt signaling did not affect HIFα-regulated OPC differentiation and myelination. We further identified HIFα-Sox9 regulatory axis as an underlying molecular mechanism in HIFα-regulated OPC differentiation. Our findings support a concept shift in our mechanistic understanding of HIFα-regulated CNS myelination from the previous Wnt-dependent view to a Wnt-independent one and unveil a previously unappreciated HIFα-Sox9 pathway in regulating OPC differentiation.
Two new coral fluorescent proteins of distinct colors for sharp visualization of cell-cycle progression
Authors: Ando Ryoko , Sakaue-Sawano Asako , Shoda Keiko , Miyawaki Atsushi
Published: March 2020

We cloned and characterized two new coral fluorescent proteins: h2-3 and 1-41. h2-3 formed an obligate dimeric complex and exhibited bright fluorescence. On the other hand, 1-41 formed a highly multimeric complex and exhibited dim red fluorescence. We engineered 1-41 into AzaleaB5, a practically useful red-emitting fluorescent protein for cellular labeling applications. We fused h2-3 and AzaleaB5 to the ubiquitination domains of human Geminin and Cdt1, respectively, to generate a new color variant of Fucci (Fluorescent Ubiquitination-based Cell-Cycle Indicator): Fucci5. We found Fucci5 provided brighter nuclear labeling for monitoring cell cycle progression than the 1stand 2ndgenerations that used mAG/mKO2 and mVenus/mCherry, respectively.
Identification of the associated expression patterns as potential predictive markers for cancer prognosis
Authors: Liang Han , Lin Cong , Hou Yong , Li Fuqiang , Wu Kui
Published: March 2020

Dysregulated gene expression can develop as a consequence of uncontrolled alterations of tumor cells. Analysis of these abnormal alterations will improve our understanding of the tumor development and reveal the corresponding clinical associations. It is well known that multiple genetic abnormalities could be observed in the same tumor, however, the interactions between those abnormal events are rarely analyzed. To address this problem, we constructed a novel gene expression correlation network by integrating the transcriptomes of 5,001 cancer patients from 22 cancer types. We investigated how the change of associated expression pattern (AEP), which describe certain associations between gene expression, could affect the cancer patient’s prognosis. Consequently, we identified an AEP composed of mitosis-related gene expressions, which is significantly correlated with overall survival in most cancer types. In particular, the AEPs could present the association between gene expressions and show distinct effects on prognosis prediction for cancer patients, suggesting that AEP analysis is indispensable to uncover the complex interactions of abnormal gene expressions in tumor development.
Folliculin variants linked to Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome are targeted for proteasomal degradation
Authors: Clausen Lene , Stein Amelie , Grønbæk-Thygesen Martin , Nygaard Lasse , Søltoft Cecilie L. , Nielsen Sofie V. , Lisby Michael , Ravid Tommer , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten , Hartmann-Petersen Rasmus
Published: March 2020

Germline mutations in the folliculin (FLCN) tumor suppressor gene are linked to Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome, a dominantly inherited genetic disease characterized by predisposition to fibrofolliculomas, lung cysts, and renal cancer. Most BHD-linkedFLCNvariants include large deletions and splice site aberrations predicted to cause loss of function. The mechanisms by which missense variants and short in-frame deletions inFLCNtrigger disease are unknown. Here, we present computational and experimental studies showing that the majority of such disease-causingFLCNvariants cause loss of function due to proteasomal degradation of the encoded FLCN protein, rather than directly ablating FLCN function. Accordingly, several different single-site FLCN variants are present at strongly reduced levels in cells. In line with our finding that FLCN variants are protein quality control targets, several are also highly insoluble and fail to associate with the FLCN-binding partners FNIP1 and FNIP2. The lack of FLCN binding leads to rapid proteasomal degradation of FNIP1 and FNIP2. Half of the tested FLCN variants are mislocalized in cells, and one variant (ΔE510) forms perinuclear protein aggregates. A yeast-based screen revealed that the deubiquitylating enzyme Ubp15/USP7 and molecular chaperones regulate the turnover of the FLCN variants. Lowering the temperature to 29 °C led to a stabilization of two FLCN missense proteins, and for one variant (R362C), FLCN function was re-established at low temperature. In conclusion, we propose that most BHD-linkedFLCNmissense variants and small in-frame deletions operate by causing misfolding and degradation of the FLCN protein, and that stabilization of certain disease-linked variants may hold therapeutic potential.
Isobaric matching between runs and novel PSM-level normalization in MaxQuant strongly improve reporter ion-based quantification
Authors: Yu Sung-Huan , Kiriakidou Pelagia , Cox Jürgen
Published: March 2020

Isobaric labeling has the promise of combining high sample multiplexing with precise quantification. However, normalization issues and the missing value problem of complete n-plexes hamper quantification across more than one n-plex. Here we introduce two novel algorithms implemented in MaxQuant that substantially improve the data analysis with multiple n-plexes. First, isobaric matching between runs (IMBR) makes use of the three-dimensional MS1 features to transfer identifications from identified to unidentified MS/MS spectra between LC-MS runs in order to utilize reporter ion intensities in unidentified spectra for quantification. On typical datasets, we observe a significant gain in quantifiable n-plexes. Second, we introduce a novel PSM-level normalization, applicable to data with and without common reference channel. It is a weighted median-based method, in which the weights reflect the number of ions that were used for fragmentation. On a typical dataset, we observe complete removal of batch effects and dominance of the biological sample grouping after normalization. Furthermore, we provide many novel processing and normalization options in Perseus, the companion software for the downstream analysis of quantitative proteomics results. All novel tools and algorithms are available with the regular MaxQuant and Perseus releases, which are downloadable athttp://maxquant.org.
Assessing the impact of the threatened crucian carp (Carassius carassius) on pond invertebrate diversity - a comparison of conventional and molecular tools
Authors: Harper Lynsey R. , Handley Lori Lawson , Sayer Carl D. , Read Daniel S. , Benucci Marco , Blackman Rosetta C. , Hill Matthew J. , Hänfling Bernd
Published: March 2020

Fishes stocked for recreation and angling can damage freshwater habitats and negatively impact biodiversity. The pond-associated crucian carp (Carassius carassius) is rare across Europe and stocked for conservation management in England, but impacts on pond biota are understudied. Freshwater invertebrates contribute substantially to aquatic biodiversity, encompassing many rare and endemic species, but their small size and high abundance complicates their assessment. Practitioners have employed sweep-netting and kick-sampling with microscopy (morphotaxonomy), but specimen size/quality and experience can bias identification. DNA and eDNA metabarcoding offer alternative means of invertebrate assessment. We compared invertebrate diversity in ponds (N= 18) with and without crucian carp using morphotaxonomic identification, DNA metabarcoding, and eDNA metabarcoding. Five 2-L water samples and 3-minute sweep-net samples were collected at each pond. Inventories produced by morphotaxonomic identification of netted samples, DNA metabarcoding of bulk tissue samples, and eDNA metabarcoding of water samples were compared. Alpha diversity was greatest with DNA or eDNA metabarcoding, depending on whether standard or unbiased methods were considered. DNA metabarcoding reflected morphotaxonomic identification, whereas eDNA metabarcoding produced markedly different communities. These complementary tools should be combined for comprehensive invertebrate assessment. Crucian carp presence minimally reduced alpha diversity in ponds, but positively influenced beta diversity through taxon turnover (i.e. ponds with crucian carp contained different invertebrates to fishless ponds). Crucian carp presence contributes to landscape-scale invertebrate diversity, supporting continued conservation management in England. Our results show that molecular tools can enhance freshwater invertebrate assessment and facilitate development of more accurate and ecologically effective pond management strategies.
PDE-constrained optimization for estimating population dynamics over cell cycle from static single cell measurements
Authors: Kuritz Karsten , Bonny Alain R , Fonseca João Pedro , Allgöwer Frank
Published: March 2020

Motivation

Understanding how cell cycle responds and adapts dynamically to a broad range of stresses and changes in the cellular environment is crucial for the treatment of various pathologies, including cancer. However, measuring changes in cell cycle progression is experimentally challenging, and model inference computationally expensive.

Results

Here, we introduce a computational framework that allows the inference of changes in cell cycle progression from static single-cell measurements. We modeled population dynamics with partial differential equations (PDE), and derive parameter gradients to estimate time- and cell cycle position-dependent progression changes efficiently. Additionally, we show that computing parameter sensitivities for the optimization problem by solving a system of PDEs is computationally feasible and allows efficient and exact estimation of parameters. We showcase our framework by estimating the changes in cell cycle progression in K562 cells treated with Nocodazole and identify an arrest in M-phase transition that matches the expected behavior of microtubule polymerization inhibition.

Conclusions

Our results have two major implications: First, this framework can be scaled to high-throughput compound screens, providing a fast, stable, and efficient protocol to generate new insights into changes in cell cycle progression. Second, knowledge of the cell cycle stage- and time-dependent progression function allows transformation from pseudotime to real-time thereby enabling real-time analysis of molecular rates in response to treatments.

Availability

MAPiT toolbox (Karsten Kuritz 2020) is available at github:https://github.com/karstenkuritz/MAPiT.
Hypergravity affects Cell Traction Forces of Fibroblasts
Authors: Eckert J. , van Loon J. J.W.A. , Eng L. M. , Schmidt T.
Published: March 2020

Cells sense and react on changes of the mechanical properties of their environment, and likewise respond to external mechanical stress applied to them. Whether the gravitational field, as overall body force, modulates cellular behavior is however unclear. Different studies demonstrated that micro- and hypergravity influences the shape and elasticity of cells, initiate cytoskeleton reorganization, and influence cell motility. All these cellular properties are interconnected, and contribute to forces that cells apply on their surrounding microenvironment. Yet, studies that investigated changes of cell traction forces under hypergravity conditions are scarce. Here we performed hypergravity experiments on 3T3 fibroblast cells using the Large Diameter Centrifuge at the European Space and Technology Centre (ESA-ESTEC). cells were exposed to hypergravity of up to 19.5gfor 16 h in both the upright and the inverted orientation with respect to the g-force vector. We observed a decrease in cellular traction forces when the gravitational field was increased up to 5.4g, followed by an increase of traction forces for higher gravity fields up to 19.5gindependent of the orientation of the gravity vector. We attribute the switch in cellular response to shear-thinning at low g-forces, followed by significant rearrangement and enforcement of the cytoskeleton at high g-forces.

SIGNIFICANCE

The behavior of cells critically depend on the mechanical properties of their environment. For example external stresses and strains lead to decisions in cell differentiation as well as to collective-migration in metastasis. Gravity, as a permanently acting body force, is one of those externs stresses. We demonstrate the impact of gravitational challenges on forces that cells apply to their environment. We observed a switch in cellular response with a decrease in cell traction forces for low bypgrarayiv. conditions, followed by a significant increase in cell traction forces at higher g-level. This particular cellular response reflects a switch in croskeletal organization, similar to that observed for cells in fluids where shear forces act.
Diutina (Candida) rugosacomplex: The biofilm ultrastructure, extracellular matrix, cell wall component and antifungal susceptibility to amphotericin B, caspofungin, fluconazole and voriconazole
Authors: Mahalingam Sri Raja Rajeswari , Madhavan Priya , Pei Chong Pei
Published: March 2020

The genusCandidais the most common etiological factor of opportunistic fungal infections in humans. The virulence ofCandidaspecies is due to a wide repertoire of factors, specifically, the ability to form biofilms. Medical devices such as intravenous catheters, prosthetic heart valves and surgical interventions provide pathogenic microorganisms with a surface to adhere to form biofilm. The objectives of this study were to investigate the biofilm ultrastructure ofDiutina(Candida) rugosa(D. rugosa) at different developmental phases using Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), quantify β-glucan, total carbohydrate and total protein in the extracellular matrix (ECM) using enzymatic β-glucan kit, phenol-sulfuric acid method and Bradford’s method, respectively, and to identify Sessile Minimum Inhibition Concentrations (SMICs) of amphotericin B, caspofungin, fluconazole, and voriconazole using serial doubling dilution. From the SEM micrographs,D. rugosabiofilms were composed of adherent yeast cells and blastospores with hyphal elements. The ultrastructure of the yeast cells was collapsed and disfigured upon exposure to amphotericin B, fluconazole and voriconazole and the biofilms presented with punctured yeast morphology upon exposure to caspofungin at their respective SMICs. The matrix thickness of embedded yeast cells from CLSM micrographs was 3.9µm at 48h. However, there was reduction in the thickness of the biofilms upon antifungal exposure. The antifungal exposed biofilms exhibit bright, diffuse, green-yellow fluorescence that were not seen in the control.D. rugosabiofilm matrices revealed 172.57µg/mL of carbohydrate, and 27.11µg/mL of protein content. The β-glucan yield inD. rugosacomplex planktonic cells were in the range of 2.5 to 4.38%, on the contrary, β-glucan was not detected in the ECM. The SMICs ofDiutinabiofilm for amphotericin B is 1024μg/mL, caspofungin is 512 μg/mL, whereas fluconazole and voriconazole is 2048 μg/mL, respectively.
ActuAtor, a molecular tool for generating force in living cells: Controlled deformation of intracellular structures
Authors: Nakamura Hideki , Rho Elmer , Deng Daqi , Razavi Shiva , Matsubayashi Hideaki T. , Inoue Takanari
Published: March 2020

Mechanical force underlies fundamental cell functions such as division, migration and differentiation. While physical probes and devices revealed cellular mechano-responses, how force is translated inside cells to exert output functions remains largely unknown, due to the limited techniques to manipulate force intracellularly. By engineering an ActA protein, an actin nucleation promoting factor derived fromListeria monocytogenes, and implementing this in protein dimerization paradigms, we developed a molecular tool termed ActuAtor, with which actin polymerization can be triggered at intended subcellular locations to generate constrictive force in a rapidly inducible manner. The ActuAtor operation led to striking deformation of target intracellular structures including mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, nucleus, and non-membrane-bound RNA granules. Based on functional analysis before and after organelle deformation, we found the form-function relationship of mitochondria to be generally marginal. The modular design and genetically-encoded nature enable wide applications of ActuAtor for studies of intracellular mechanobiology processes.
Inferring Timing of Infection Using Within-host SARS-CoV-2 Infection Dynamics Model: Are “Imported Cases” Truly Imported?
Authors: Ejima Keisuke , Kim Kwang Su , Ito Yusuke , Iwanami Shoya , Ohashi Hirofumi , Koizumi Yoshiki , Watashi Koichi , Bento Ana I. , Aihara Kazuyuki , Iwami Shingo
Published: March 2020

In countries/communities at risk of future outbreaks of COVID-19, ascertaining whether cases are imported or the result of local secondary transmission is important for government to shape appropriate public health strategies. In this study, we propose a novel approach to identify the timing of infection, whereby we developed a within-host model to capture viral load dynamics post-symptom onset. We submit our approach allow us to differentiate imported cases from local secondary cases. To illustrate our method, we use the initial reported cases in Singapore, where the first reported 18 cases were considered imported, as these individuals had recent travel history to Wuhan, China, which is a hotspot of COVID-19 outbreak. With additional information regarding day of entrance in Singapore, we were able to infer whether these were infected locally or prior to arriving in Singapore. Of all the cases, we identified 6 as likely evidence of ongoing secondary transmission within Singapore. In an early phase of outbreaks, collecting viral load data over time from cases from symptom onset is highly recommended.
Expression and interactions of stereochemically active lone pairs and their relation to structural distortions and thermal conductivity
Authors: Tolborg Kasper , Gatti Carlo , Iversen Bo B.
Published: March 2020

In chemistry, stereochemically active lone pairs are typically described as an important non-bonding effect, and recent interest has centred on understanding the derived effect of lone pair expression on physical properties such as thermal conductivity. To manipulate such properties, it is essential to understand the conditions that lead to lone pair expression and provide a quantitative chemical description of their identity to allow comparison between systems. Here, density functional theory calculations are used first to establish the presence of stereochemically active lone pairs on antimony in the archetypical chalcogenide MnSb2O4. The lone pairs are formed through a similar mechanism to those in binary post-transition metal compounds in an oxidation state of two less than their main group number [e.g.Pb(II) and Sb(III)], where the degree of orbital interaction (covalency) determines the expression of the lone pair. In MnSb2O4the Sb lone pairs interact through a void space in the crystal structure, and their their mutual repulsion is minimized by introducing a deflection angle. This angle increases significantly with decreasing Sb—Sb distance introduced by simulating high pressure, thus showing the highly destabilizing nature of the lone pair interactions. Analysis of the chemical bonding in MnSb2O4shows that it is dominated by polar covalent interactions with significant contributions both from charge accumulation in the bonding regions and from charge transfer. A database search of related ternary chalcogenide structures shows that, for structures with a lone pair (SbX3units), the degree of lone pair expression is largely determined by whether the antimony–chalcogen units are connected or not, suggesting a cooperative effect. Isolated SbX3units have largerX—Sb—Xbond angles and therefore weaker lone pair expression than connected units. Since increased lone pair expression is equivalent to an increased orbital interaction (covalent bonding), which typically leads to increased heat conduction, this can explain the previously established correlation between larger bond angles and lower thermal conductivity. Thus, it appears that for these chalcogenides, lone pair expression and thermal conductivity may be related through the degree of covalency of the system.
Numerical solutions for a class of singular boundary value problems arising in the theory of epitaxial growth
Authors: Verma Amit K. , Pandit Biswajit , Escudero Carlos
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to apply an iterative numerical method to find the numerical solution of the nonlinear non-self-adjoint singular boundary value problems that arises in the theory of epitaxial growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed problem has multiple solutions and it is singular too; so not every technique can capture all the solutions. This study proposes to use variational iterative numerical method and compute both the solutions. The computed solutions are very close to the exact result.

Findings

It turns out that the existence or nonexistence of numerical solutions fully depends on the value of a parameter. The authors show that numerical solutions exist for small positive values of this parameter. For large positive values of the parameter, they find nonexistence of solutions. They also observe existence of solutions for negative values of the parameter and determine the range of parameter values which separates existence and nonexistence of solutions. This parameter has a clear physical meaning, as it describes the rate at which new material is deposited onto the system. This fact allows interpreting the physical significance of the results.

Originality/value

The authors could capture both the solutions and got accurate estimation of the parameter. This method will be a great tool to handle such types of nonlinear non-self-adjoint equations that have multiple solutions in engineering and mathematical sciences. The results in this paper will have an impact on the understanding of theoretical models of epitaxial growth in near future.
Focal enterprises' control and knowledge transfer risks in R&D networks
Authors: Guo Min , Yang Naiding , Zhang Yanlu
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore that relational capability plays a mediator role in the relationship between focal enterprises' control on knowledge transfer risks in R&D network.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the related literature from which it proposes a theoretical hypothesis and conceptual framework which is tested empirically adopting regression methodology by mathematical statistics software.

Findings

The results reveal that focal enterprises' control (core technological capability and network position) have a positive effect on knowledge transfer risks without the mediation of relational capability. Moreover, relational capability mediates the positive relationship between core technological capability and knowledge transfer risks.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional data of this research has difficult in testing causality between the variables, and future research should take account of the potential factors that can impact on knowledge transfer risks.

Practical implications

The results provide more valuable information to managers in alleviating knowledge transfer risks in R&D networks. For one thing, the study indicates how focal firms' control (core technological capability and network position) can be taken advantage of improving R&D efficiency and reducing the knowledge transfer risks. For another, the results emphasize that relational capability plays an important role in interacting with cooperative enterprises in the process of R&D activities.

Originality/value

Few studies present a theoretical discussion on focal firms control as the important determinants of knowledge transfer risks especially in the R&D network. Moreover it expands the related risk management theory by relational capability that mediates the relationship between focal firms control and knowledge transfer risks.
What influences online reviews’ perceived information quality?
Authors: Zhu Linlin , Li He , He Wu , Hong Chuang
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Online reviews presented in the format of multimedia information, such as pictures and videos, continue to emerge, but whether the richness of multimedia information can enforce the quality of online reviews has remained uncertain. The purpose of this paper is to examine the differences in the perceived information quality of online reviews, based on the information richness theory, emotional polarity and product type.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a Web-based experiment in which 12 groups constructed at different levels of these three factors were designed for the purpose of obtaining data.

Findings

The study results show that under different positive and negative emotional polarities, different information richness and product types have different effects on perceived information quality; for different product types, positive and negative emotional polarity have different effects on perceived information quality. For “search” products, the perceived information quality of online reviews with low information richness is high; under different information richness, different emotional polarity and product types have different effects on perceived information quality.

Practical implications

This paper has important practical significance for the management of e-commerce platforms for online reviews.

Originality/value

This paper on the perceived information quality of online reviews puts more focus on the formal features of online reviews and aims to discover the relationships between different directions for perceived information quality under the impact of interaction of formats, emotional polarity and product type. The study hopes to further strengthen the application of the information richness theory in the field of online reviews research and to measure perceived information quality from a variety of aspects.
Implementation of lean construction in the construction industry in Bangladesh: awareness, benefits and challenges
Authors: Ahmed Shakil , Hossain Md. Mehrab , Haq Iffat
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Construction management is enriched in many ways by direct and indirect support of lean construction concept. The objectives of this study are to assess the current level of awareness about lean construction practice, to identify the potential benefits and challenges to implement lean construction in the Bangladeshi construction industry and to prioritize them.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review has been done to design a questionnaire for the survey. The final questionnaire has been designed with 27 lean tools, 41 challenges, and seven benefits of implementing lean principles in the construction industry. A total of 164 valid responses have been collected from Bangladeshi construction practitioners involved in different types of construction organizations. The result has been analyzed by Relative Important Index (RII).

Findings

The findings revealed 41 challenges to implement lean construction with seven benefits in the Bangladeshi construction industry. The result shows that an appreciable number of respondent familiar with the techniques of lean construction but they don't practice. The findings have also pointed out that the lean construction approach adds a positive impact especially on quality, safety, cost, productivity, and environmental level. The top-ranked challenges to implementing lean construction are: lack of awareness and skill, poor management, traditional culture and attitude of employees, inadequate resources and equipment and nonuse of modern techniques and technologies.

Originality/value

This study reveals real scenario of lean construction in Bangladesh. It contributes to the body of knowledge, as it uncovers for the first time the awareness level, benefits and challenges to implement lean construction with reference to the social, economic and cultural context of Bangladesh. Exploring the findings, the study could help the stakeholders, construction firms, academician, researchers and government to focus their effort and resources on the significantly appropriate issues. Again, the study may be beneficial to developing countries especially in South Asia which share the same socio-economic status with Bangladesh.
Examining the relationship between brand equity dimensions and university brand equity
Authors: Pinar Musa , Girard Tulay , Basfirinci Cigdem
Published: March 2020

Purpose

In response to global competitive challenges, universities recently started developing better strategies for branding. Branding has been used as a differentiation strategy for higher education institutions. As the number of universities (public and private) has increased, so has the competition for students, the universities in Turkey have faced similar challenges. The main objective of this study is to investigate, from the students' perspective, the role of interactions of brand equity dimensions in creating a strong university brand.

Design/methodology/approach

Compiling from the literature, the study used a survey instrument to collect data at a comprehensive public university in Turkey. To assure representation of students across the campus, the sample included students at freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior and graduate levels from all major colleges.

Findings

Based on 1,300 usable surveys from students across all colleges of a major state university, the PLS-SEM model revealed significant relationships among the brand equity dimensions of brand awareness, perceived quality, brand association, learning environment, emotional environment, brand trust, brand loyalty and university reputation. These brand dimensions collectively and/or individually influence the students' university learning experiences that may result in creating strong university brand equity.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted at a government-owned university in Turkey capturing only students' perceptions. Future research could benefit from perceptions of other stakeholders like faculty, staff, alumni, and parents and testing the relationships for different types of universities. This study discusses the implications for developing university branding strategies.

Originality/value

The study empirically tests the validity and effects of the university brand equity dimensions with Turkish university students using structural equation modeling (SEM). It confirms that the measures of brand equity dimensions are also applicable in a different country.
Do food certification standards guarantee small-sized farming enterprises access to better markets? Effectiveness of marketing contracts in Kenya
Authors: Gichuki Castro N. , Gicheha Simon K. , Kamau Charles Wambu
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of GLOBALGAP standards certification on farmer's preference for marketing contract choices including written contracts, oral contracts and spot contracts, as well as to establish the impact of marketing contracts on net returns from snap bean production in Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, we use a data collected from 446 Snap bean farmers in Kenya. Using a two-step selection Bourguignon Frontier and Gurgand (BFG) model and Propensity Score Matching (PSM), we analysed determinants of Global Gap Certification and other farming characteristics that influence smallholder farmers preference for marketing contracts and net returns from snap beans venture.

Findings

Results indicate that attending GLOBALGAP training, GLOBALGAP subsidy support, membership to GLOBALGAP farmer's groups, and selling beans to GLOBALGAP certified GLOBALGAP buyers would significantly influence better returns underwritten marketing contracts. Producing snap beans underwritten marketing contracts would get farmer's net returns of between 1.8 and 8% while producing under oral and spot market contracts would earn farmer net returns of between 0.2 and 0.08 %.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to examine the influence of GLOBALGAP standards certification on marketing contract choices and net returns from snap bean production, while accounting for selectivity biasness.
Researching towards a critically posthumanist future: on the political “doing” of critical research for companion animal liberation
Authors: Sutton Zoei
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make a case for the political use of methods to shape posthumanist futures that are for animals. It makes this case by drawing on findings from qualitative research on the lived experience of navigating human–pet relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The argument in this paper draws on qualitative data from interviews and observations with human participants and “their” companion animals to demonstrate that centring animals in research highlights new data and encourages participants to challenge anthropocentric narratives of pet relationships.

Findings

The findings of this project indicate that using animal-inclusive research methods is effective in centring non-human animals in discussions and providing new insights into human–animal relations that can inform and move towards critical posthumanist futures.

Research limitations/implications

If the central argument that methods play an important role in shaping social worlds is accepted then human–animal studies scholars may need to think more carefully about how they design, conduct and frame research with non-human animals.

Practical implications

If the argument for centring companion animals in research is taken seriously, then those working with humans and companion animals in the community might significantly alter their methods to more meaningfully engage with non-human animals' experiences.

Originality/value

Current research has concerned itself with the challenge of how to understand animals' experiences through research. There has been little consideration of how multi-species research reflects and shapes social worlds and how methods might be considered a fruitful site of transforming relations and pursuing posthumanist futures.
A systematic literature review with bibliometric analysis of big data analytics adoption from period 2014 to 2018
Authors: Inamdar Zeeshan , Raut Rakesh , Narwane Vaibhav S. , Gardas Bhaskar , Narkhede Balkrishna , Sagnak Muhittin
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The volume of data being generated by various sectors in recent years has increased exponentially. Consequently, professionals struggle to process essential data in the current competitive world. The purpose of the study is to explore and provide insights into the Big Data Analytics (BDA) studies in different sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study performs a systematic literature review (SLR) with bibliometric analysis of BDA adoption (BDAA) in the supply chain and its applications in various sectors from 2014 to 2018. This paper focuses on BDAA studies have been carried out across different countries and sectors. Also, the paper explores different tools and techniques used in BDAA studies.

Findings

The benefits of adopting BDA, coupled with a lack of adequate research in the field, have motivated this study. This literature review categorizes paper into seven main areas and found that most of the studies were carried out in manufacturing and service.

Practical implications

This research insight and observations can provide practitioners and academia with guidance on implementing BDA in different sustainable supply chain sectors. The article indicates a few remarkable gaps in the future direction and trends regarding the integration of BDA and sustainable supply chain development.

Originality/value

The study derives a new categorization of BDA, which investigates how data is generated, organized, captured, interpreted and evaluated to give valuable insights to manage the sustainable supply chain.
Effective bank regulation: seven guiding principles
Authors: Arch Linda
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper is a “viewpoint” article, and as such, the purpose of this paper is to present the author’s opinion and interpretation. Its primary purpose is to propose seven guiding principles for effective bank regulation so that these may be subject to academic criticism.

Design/methodology/approach

The principal theme of this paper has its origins in archival research into the nature of bank regulation in the UK in 25 to 30 years after the Second World War. This paper draws upon insights gained into the nature of bank regulation in the UK arising from that research. It focuses on what aspects of bank regulation were effective in that earlier period. It then attempts to convert those insights into underlying principles.

Findings

Seven principles are proposed as the starting point for a discussion as to the principles that should underpin effective bank regulation. The seven principles are set out in the introduction to the paper.

Originality/value

The framework for the regulation of banks in the UK and in many other countries is a complex one. The general trend in bank regulation in the UK in the past four decades has been technocratic, characterised by a preference for codified rules, which are often detailed and technically complex. It has also been characterised by the establishment, or further development, of intricate regulatory and supervisory structures at national, international and supranational levels. Scholarly attention has understandably been focused on those trends. Rather less attention has been given to the broader principles that might underpin and guide bank regulation. This paper seeks to contribute to that question.
Commentary: future directions of the service discipline
Authors: Bolton Ruth N.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest some ways that service scholars can shape the future of the service discipline by building knowledge that is useful to businesses, individuals, communities, institutions, society and the bio-environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explicitly considers how global trends are likely to influence future research challenges in the service discipline. Then, service research priorities are identified by drawing upon the principles of responsible research in business and management (RRBM) (www.rrbm.net).

Findings

The paper identifies and analyzes many future service challenges arising from socioeconomic, demographic, technology and service systems, environmental and social changes. These changes are categorized as favorable and unfavorable in their effect on the well-being of people, organizations, society and the environment.

Research limitations/implications

This paper advocates more study of sustainability in service ecosystems, automation and the nature of service work, inclusion, equality and well-being of service workers; service in subsistence markets and the societal implications of new technology and big data.

Practical implications

The paper provides guidance for service marketers regarding research questions that are important to society and will need to be addressed by the year 2050. It translates the principles of RRBM into useful approaches to service marketing challenges that can be followed by all service researchers.

Social implications

This paper discusses important societal issues such as individual and societal needs for privacy, security and transparency; the ethical sourcing and treatment of service workers and the impact of service actions on environmental outcomes.

Originality/value

The conceptual framework integrates knowledge about service research in a new way, with insights for future service researchers, managers and public policymakers.
An assessment of different courtyard configurations in urban communities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Authors: Taleb Hanan M. , Abumoeilak Lama
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to find ways to optimise the thermal performance of this courtyard design in current urban communities in hot arid regions.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study for this research is the Dubai sustainable city residential cluster. After collecting weather data from a site visit, four courtyard configurations were suggested and assessed using ENVI-met simulation analysis software to build a virtual model to represent the base case. This model is used to evaluate the thermal behaviour of outdoor urban spaces. The four courtyard layout scenarios were suggested and tested against the base case model. Scenario one is u-shaped, scenario two is linear, scenario three has central buildings with square courtyards and finally, scenario four has u-shaped buildings with square courtyards.

Findings

All the courtyard scenarios achieved an adequate level of user satisfaction, and the wind speed and distribution affected the relative humidity of the outdoor areas. The main findings indicate that courtyard scenario four provided the best microclimatic behaviour within the urban community, as the relative humidity dropped from 56.27% to 48% and the temperature was reduced from 43.03 °C to 41.03 °C.

Research limitations/implications

The study was focused on Dubai and on urban levels, but the findings can be generalized to cover most of courtiers that have similar climatic and environmental contexts.

Practical implications

Architects and urban planners will recognize the potential to reduce energy due to natural ventilation and lower solar radiation.

Social implications

If the findings be applied, this will lead to energy reduction as well as building foot print reduction.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing literature by comprehensively reviewing the concept of courtyards in hot climate and in a region of shortage of studies conducted. It will draw future recommendations of how and where to design courtyards within urban communities.
Drawn out of the shadows: Surveying secretive forest species with camera trap distance sampling
Authors: Bessone Mattia , Kühl Hjalmar S. , Hohmann Gottfried , Herbinger Ilka , N'Goran Kouame Paul , Asanzi Papy , Da Costa Pedro B. , Dérozier Violette , Fotsing Ernest D. B. , Beka Bernard Ikembelo , Iyomi Mpongo D. , Iyatshi Iyomi B. , Kafando Pierre , Kambere Mbangi A. , Moundzoho Dissondet B. , Wanzalire Musubaho L. K. , Fruth Barbara
Published: March 2020

With animal species disappearing at unprecedented rates, we need an efficient monitoring method providing reliable estimates of population density and abundance, critical for the assessment of population status and trend.

We deployed 160 camera traps (CTs) systematically over 743 locations covering 17,127 km2of evergreen lowland rainforest of Salonga National Park, block South, Democratic Republic of the Congo. We evaluated the applicability of CT distance sampling (CTDS) to species different in size and behaviour. To improve precision of estimates, we evaluated two methods estimating species' availability (‘A’) for detection by CTs.

We recorded 16,700 video clips, revealing 43 different animal taxa. We estimated densities of 14 species differing in physical, behavioural and ecological traits, and extracted species‐specific availability from available video footage using two methods (a)‘ACa’(Cappelle et al. [2019]Am.J.Primatol., 81, e22962) and (b)‘ARo’(Rowcliffe et al. [2014]MethodsEcol.Evol. 5, 1170). With sample sizes being large enough, we found minor differences betweenACaandARoin estimated densities. In contrast, low detectability and reactivity to the camera were main sources of bias. CTDS proved efficient for estimating density of homogenously rather than patchily distributed species.

Synthesis and applications.Our application of camera trap distance sampling (CTDS) to a diverse vertebrate community demonstrates the enormous potential of this methodology for surveys of terrestrial wildlife, allowing rapid assessments of species' status and trends that can translate into effective conservation strategies. By providing the first estimates of understudied species such as the Congo peafowl, the giant ground pangolin and the cusimanses, CTDS may be used as a tool to revise these species' conservation status in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Based on the constraints we encountered, we identify improvements to the current application, enhancing the general applicability of this method.
Validated LC‐MS/MS method of Sphingosine 1‐phosphate quantification in human serum for evaluation of response to radiotherapy in lung cancer
Authors: Tang Xiaohui , Chen Haisheng , Chen Guanxuan , Duan Cunxian , Fan Qing , Li Hui , Wang Yanhong , Li Zhijun , Shi Wenna , Liu Yuguo
Published: March 2020

Background

Sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P), a bioactive lipid, has been shown to mediate cancer processes. Therefore, accurate qualitative and quantitative determination is essential. The current assay method is still cumbersome to be of practical use worldwide and the aim of this study was therefore to develop a fast, accurate, precise and efficient LC‐MS/MS method for targeted analyses of S1P in serum samples.

Methods

Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) is an established method used for monitoring and analyzing S1P levels in serum. We determined the level of serum S1P in 256 patients with lung cancer and 36 healthy donors, and used Spearman';s rank correlation analysis to evaluate the difference in serum S1P levels between radiotherapy and nonradiotherapy patients.

Results

Standard curves were linear over ranges of 25–600 ng/mL for S1P with correlation coefficient (r2) greater than 0.9996. The lower limit of quantifications (LLOQs) was 25 ng/mL. The intra‐ and interbatch precisions and accuracy was less than 10% for S1P. The recoveries of the method were found to be 80%–98%. Serum S1P levels in healthy donors were different from those in patients (P < 0.001). Of 256 lung cancer patients, 124 (48.4%) received radiotherapy and were identified to have concomitant low serum S1P levels (222.13 ± 48.63), whereas 132 (51.6%) who had not received radiotherapy were identified to have high levels (315.16 ± 51.06). The serum S1P levels were therefore associated with radiotherapy (Spearman's Rho = −0.653, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results indicated that this new LC‐MS/MS method is rapid, sensitive, specific and reliable for the quantification of S1P levels in serum samples. The level of S1P in serum samples of patients with lung cancer who received radiotherapy was significantly lower than that in patients who did not receive radiotherapy.

Key points

An improved method was established to quantify S1P levels in human serum by LC‐MS/MS, which enabled the change in serum S1P levels in lung cancer patients to be monitored, in combination with radiotherapy, and their clinical significance to be analyzed.