bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mendelian Randomization Analysis of Circulating Adipokines and C-reactive Protein on Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Robinson T , Martin RM , Yarmolinsky J
Published: August 2019

Adipokines and C-reactive protein (CRP) have been proposed as molecular mediators linking adiposity to breast cancer (BCa). Mendelian randomization (MR) uses genetic variants as proxies for risk factors to strengthen causal inference in observational studies. We performed a MR analysis to evaluate the causal relevance of six circulating adipokines (adiponectin, hepatocyte growth factor, interleukin-6, leptin receptor, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, resistin) and CRP in risk of overall and oestrogen receptor-stratified BCa in up to 122,977 cases and 105,974 controls. Genetic instruments were constructed from single-nucleotide polymorphisms robustly (P<5×10−8) associated with risk factors in genome-wide association studies. In MR analyses, there was evidence for a causal effect of hepatocyte growth factor on ER- BCa (OR per SD increase:1.17, 95% CI: 1.01-1.35;P=0.035) but little evidence for effects of other adipokines or CRP on overall or oestrogen receptor-stratified BCa. Collectively, these findings do not support an important etiological role of various adipokines or CRP in BCa risk.
Detection of Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus from crude plant extracts using Reverse Transcriptase- Recombinase Polymerase Amplification in endpoint and real-time
Authors: Martinez Juan Francisco Iturralde , Rosa Cristina
Published: August 2019

Virus detection in early stages of infection could prove useful for identification and isolation of foci of inoculum before its spread to the rest of susceptible individuals via vectoring insects. However, the low number of viruses present at the beginning of infection renders their detection and identification difficult and requires the use of highly sensitive laboratory techniques that are often incompatible with a field application.

To obviate this challenge, we designed a Recombinase Polymerase Amplification, a molecular technique that makes millions of copies of a predefined region in the genome, in this case of Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus. The reaction occurs at 39 ℃ and can be used directly from crude plant extracts without nucleic acid extraction. Notably, positive results can be seen with the naked eye as a flocculus made of newly synthesized DNA and metallic beads.

The objective of the procedure is to create a portable and affordable system that can isolate and identify viruses in the field, from infected plants and suspected insect vectors, and can be used by scientists and extension managers for making informed decisions for viral management. Results can be obtained in situ without the need of sending the samples to a specialized lab.
GRP78 promotes stemness in normal and neoplastic cells
Authors: Conner Clay , Lager Tyson W. , Guldner Ian H. , Wu Min-Zu , Hishida Yuriko , Hishida Tomoaki , Ruiz Sergio , Yamasaki Amanda E. , Gilson Robert C. , Izpisua Belmonte Juan Carlos , Gray Peter C. , Kelber Jonathan A. , Zhang Siyuan , Panopoulos Athanasia D.
Published: August 2019

Reliable approaches to identify stem cell mechanisms that mediate aggressive cancer could have great therapeutic value, based on the growing evidence of embryonic signatures in metastatic cancers. However, how to best identify and target stem-like mechanisms aberrantly acquired by cancer cells has been challenging. We harnessed the power of reprogramming to examine GRP78, a chaperone protein generally restricted to the endoplasmic reticulum in normal tissues, but which is expressed on the cell surface of human embryonic stem cells and many cancer types. We have discovered that (1) cell surface GRP78 (sGRP78) is expressed on iPSCs and is important in reprogramming, (2) sGRP78 promotes cellular functions in both pluripotent and breast cancer cells (3) overexpression of GRP78 in breast cancer cells leads to an induction of a CD24-/CD44+ tumor initiating cell (TIC) population (4) sGRP78+ breast cancer cells are enriched for stemness genes and appear to be a subset of TICs (5) sGRP78+ breast cancer cells show an enhanced ability to seed metastatic organ sites in vivo. These collective findings show that GRP78 has important functions in regulating both pluripotency and oncogenesis, and suggest that sGRP78 marks a stem-like population in breast cancer cells that has increased metastatic potential in vivo.
Evaluation of Upconverting nanoparticles towards heart theranostics
Authors: Marc Kermorgant , Jennifer Ben Salem , Julien Santelli , Denis Calise , Anne-Cécile Oster , Olivier Lairez , Christophe Coudret , Marc Verelst , Céline Gales , Jean-Michel Senard , Francis Beaudry , Anne Pavy-Le Traon , Clément Roux , Robert Mauricot , Arvanitis Dina N.
Published: August 2019

Restricted and controlled drug delivery to the heart remains a challenge giving frequent off-target effects as well as limited retention of drugs in the heart. There is a need to develop and optimize tools to allow for improved design of drug candidates for treatment of heart diseases. Over the last decade, novel drug platforms and nanomaterials were designed to confine bioactive materials to the heart. Yet, the research remains in its infancy, not only in the development of tools but also in the understanding of effects of these materials on cardiac function and tissue integrity. Upconverting nanoparticles are nanomaterials that recently accelerated interest in theranostic nanomedicine technologies. Their unique photophysical properties allow for sensitive in vivo imaging that can be combined with spatio-temporal control for targeted release of encapsulated drugs.

Here we synthesized upconverting NaYF4:Yb,Tm nanoparticles and show for the first time their innocuity in the heart, when injected in the myocardium or in the pericardial space in mice. Nanoparticle retention and upconversion in the cardiac region did not alter heart rate variability, nor cardiac function as determined over a 15-day time course ensuing the sole injection. Altogether, our nanoparticles show innocuity primarily in the pericardial region and can be safely used for controlled spatiotemporal drug delivery.

Our results support the use of upconverting nanoparticles as potential theranostics tools overcoming some of the key limitations associated with conventional experimental cardiology.
LRRK2 G2019S kinase activity triggers neurotoxic NSF aggregation
Authors: Pischedda Francesca , Cirnaru Maria Daniela , Ponzoni Luisa , Sandre Michele , Biosa Alice , Carrion Maria Perez , Marin Oriano , Morari Michele , Pan Lifeng , Greggio Elisa , Bandopadhyay Rina , Sala Mariaelvina , Piccoli Giovanni
Published: August 2019

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons within the substantia nigra pars compacta and the presence of protein aggregates in surviving neurons. LRRK2 G2019S mutation is one of the major determinants of familial PD cases and leads to late-onset PD with pleomorphic pathology, including alpha-synuclein accumulation and deposition of protein inclusions. We demonstrated that LRRK2 phosphorylates N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF). We observed aggregates containing NSF in basal ganglia specimens from G2019S carrier PD patients and in cellular and animal models expressing the LRRK2 G2019S variant. We found that LRRK2 G2019S kinase activity induces the accumulation of NSF in toxic aggregates. Noteworthy, the induction of autophagy cleared NSF aggregation and rescued motor and cognitive impairment observed in aged hG2019S BAC mice. We suggest that LRRK2 G2019S pathological phosphorylation hampers substrate catabolism, thus causing the formation of cytotoxic protein inclusions.

Highlights

LRRK2 phosphorylates NSF in vivo

NSF aggregates in complementary LRRK2 G2019S models

LRRK2 G2019S kinase activity induces NSF accumulation in toxic aggregates

Autophagy induction rescues hG2019S BAC mice motor and cognitive impairment
VIP-producing enteric neurons interact with innate lymphoid cells to regulate feeding-dependent intestinal epithelial barrier functions
Authors: Talbot Jhimmy , Hahn Paul , Kroehling Lina , Nguyen Henry , Li Dayi , Littman Dan R.
Published: August 2019

The intestinal mucosa serves as both a conduit for uptake of food-derived nutrients and microbiome-derived metabolites and as a barrier that prevents tissue invasion by microbes and tempers inflammatory responses to the myriad contents of the lumen. How the intestine coordinates physiological and immune responses to food consumption to optimize nutrient uptake while maintaining barrier functions remains unclear. Here, we describe how a gut neuronal signal triggered by food intake is integrated with intestinal antimicrobial and metabolic responses controlled by type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3)1-3. Food consumption rapidly activates a population of enteric neurons that express vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)4. Projections of VIP-producing neurons (VIPergic neurons) in the lamina propria are in close proximity to clusters of ILC3 that selectively express VIP receptor type 2 (VIPR2 or VPAC2). ILC3 production of IL-22, which is up-regulated by commensal microbes such as segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB)5-7, is inhibited upon engagement of VIPR2. As a consequence, there is a reduction in epithelial cell-derived antimicrobial peptide, but enhanced expression of lipid-binding proteins and transporters8. During food consumption, activation of VIPergic neurons thus enhances growth of epithelial-associated SFB and increases lipid absorption. Our results reveal a feeding- and circadian-regulated dynamic intestinal neuro-immune circuit that promotes a trade-off between IL-22-mediated innate immune protection and efficiency of nutrient absorption. Modulation of this pathway may hence be effective for enhancing resistance to enteropathogen2,3,9 and for treatment of metabolic diseases.
Mutations of R882 in DNMT3A change flanking sequence preferences and cellular methylation patterns in AML
Authors: Emperle Max , Adam Sabrina , Kunert Stefan , Dukatz Michael , Baude Annika , Plass Christoph , Rathert Philipp , Bashtrykov Pavel , Jeltsch Albert
Published: August 2019

DNMT3A R882 mutations are frequently observed in AML including the abundant R882H and the rare R882C, R882P and R882S. Using deep enzymology we show here that the DNMT3A-R882H has more than 70-fold altered flanking sequence preferences when compared with wildtype DNMT3A. The R882H flanking sequence preferences mainly differ on the 3’ side of the CpG site, where they resemble DNMT3B, while 5’ flanking sequence preferences of R882H resemble wildtype DNMT3A, indicating that R882H behaves like a DNMT3A/DNMT3B chimera. Activities and flanking sequence preferences of R882C, R882P and R882S were determined as well. Genomic methylation patterns after expression of wildtype DNMT3A and R882H in human cells reflect the flanking sequence preferences. R882H specific hypermethylation in AML patients are correlated with R882H flanking sequence preferences. The hypermethylation events are accompanied by R882H specific misregulation of several genes with strong cancer connection in AML patients, which are potential downstream targets of R882H.
Immune Regulation of Intestinal Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation in Drosophila
Authors: Shin Minjeong , Ferguson Meghan , Willms Reegan J. , Jones Lena O. , Petkau Kristina , Foley Edan
Published: August 2019

Intestinal progenitor cells integrate signals from their niche, and from the gut lumen, to divide and differentiate at a rate that maintains an epithelial barrier to microbial invasion of the host interior. Despite the importance of evolutionarily conserved innate immune defenses to maintain stable host-microbiota relationships, we know little about specific contributions of stem cell immunity to gut homeostasis. We used the Drosophila model to determine the consequences of compromised intestinal stem cell immune activity for epithelial homeostasis. We showed that loss of stem cell immunity greatly impacted growth and renewal in the adult gut. In particular, we noticed that inhibition of stem cell immunity impeded key growth and differentiation events in the progenitor cell compartment leading to a gradual loss of stem cell numbers with age, and an impaired differentiation of mature enteroendocrine cells. Our results highlight the importance of immune signaling in the stem cell population for epithelial function in the adult gut.

HIGHLIGHTS

The TNFR-like Immune Deficiency (IMD) pathway is active in Drosophila intestinal progenitor cells.

Inhibition of IMD in progenitors impairs progenitor cell proliferation.

Blocking progenitor cell IMD negatively affects generation of mature epithelial cells.
Large-scale examination of neuropsychiatric, cognitive and cardiovascular phenotypic associations with 15q11.2 BP1-BP2 deletion in ∼500,000 UK Biobank individuals
Authors: Williams Simon G. , Nakev Apostol , Guo Hui , Frain Simon , Tenin Gennadiy , Liakhovitskaia Anna , Saha Priyanka , Priest James R. , Hentges Kathryn E. , Keavney Bernard D.
Published: August 2019

Background

Deletion of a non-imprinted 500Kb genomic region at chromosome 15q11.2, between breakpoints 1 and 2 of the Prader-Willi/Angelman locus (BP1-BP2 deletion) has been associated in previous studies with phenotypes including developmental delay, autism, schizophrenia and congenital cardiovascular malformations (CVM). The deletion has a low baseline population prevalence and large-scale data regarding the magnitude of these associations and any milder effects on cognition phenotypes, in populations not selected for disease, are limited.

Methods

Using the UK Biobank (UKB) cohort of ∼500,000 individuals, we identified individuals with neuropsychiatric and CVM diagnoses and investigated their association with deletions at the BP1-BP2 locus. In addition we assessed the association of BP1-BP2 deletions with cognitive function and academic achievement in individuals with no previous diagnosis.

Results

Cases of neurodevelopmental and CVM disease had an increased prevalence of the deletion compared to controls (0.68%; OR=1.84 [95% CI 1.23 – 2.75]; p=0.004 and 0.64%; OR=1.73 [95% CI 1.08 – 2.75]; p=0.03 respectively). Excluding participants diagnosed with neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric disease, deletion carriers had worse scores in four tests of cognitive function, and while 32.8% of UKB participants without BP1-BP2 deletion had a university or college degree as their highest educational qualification, only 22.8% of deletion carriers achieved this (OR 0.57 [95% CI 0.51-0.64]; p=5.60E-22).

Conclusions

We conclude that BP1-BP2 deletion has an appreciable population prevalence with important life-course impacts on undiagnosed carriers. These data are of potential utility in deciding the circumstances under which clinical testing for BP1-BP2 deletion may be helpful.

Key messages

Deletions at chromosome 15q11.2 between breakpoints 1 and 2 (BP1-BP2), which encompass four genes, have been associated with developmental delay, autism, schizophrenia and congenital cardiovascular malformations.

Here, we use the largest cohort studied to date: the UK Biobank cohort of ∼500,000 individuals, to explore the association of this deletion with neuropsychiatric and cardiovascular phenotypes as well as its effects on cognitive function and academic achievement.

We find an appreciable population prevalence of the deletion with these phenotypes and demonstrate reduced cognitive function and lower academic achievements in those individuals with no prior diagnosis.
Defining the influence of Rad51 and Dmc1 lineage-specific amino acids on genetic recombination
Authors: Steinfeld Justin B. , Beláň Ondrej , Kwon Youngho , Terakawa Tsuyoshi , Al-Zain Amr , Smith Michael J. , Crickard J. Brooks , Qi Zhi , Zhao Weixing , Rothstein Rodney , Symington Lorraine S. , Sung Patrick , Boulton Simon J. , Greene Eric C.
Published: August 2019

The vast majority of eukaryotes possess two DNA recombinases: Rad51, which is ubiquitously expressed, and Dmc1, which is meiosis-specific. The evolutionary origins of this two-recombinase system remain poorly understood. Interestingly, Dmc1 can stabilize mismatch-containing base triplets, whereas Rad51 cannot. Here, we demonstrate that this difference can be attributed to three amino acids conserved only within the Dmc1 lineage of the Rad51/RecA family. Chimeric Rad51 mutants harboring Dmc1-specific amino acids gain the ability to stabilize heteroduplex DNA joints with mismatch-containing base triplets, whereas Dmc1 mutants with Rad51-specific amino acids lose this ability. Remarkably, RAD-51 fromCaenorhabditis elegans, an organism without Dmc1, has acquired “Dmc1-like” amino acids. ChimericC. elegansRAD-51 harboring “canonical” Rad51 amino acids gives rise to toxic recombination intermediates, which must be actively dismantled to permit normal meiotic progression. We propose that Dmc1 lineage-specific amino acids involved in the stabilization of heteroduplex DNA joints with mismatch-containing base triplets may contribute to normal meiotic recombination.
Buying on rumors: how financial news flows affect the share price of Tesla
Authors: Strauss Nadine , Smith Christopher Holmes
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to research how corporate communication regarding a specific corporate event (i.e. Tesla’s tweets about a new product) as well as the framing of both the event itself and the market reactions therewith in the news media influence the formation of the share price of the respective company over time. In so doing, the study provides insights into the nature of market-moving information and the role of financial news flows in shaping market reactions in today’s high-frequency news and information environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a multi-method case study approach, combining quantitative intraday event studies with a qualitative text analysis of financial online news and tweets by Elon Musk and Twitter, the authors shed light on the complex interaction between market events, financial information and stock market reactions. The analysis covers a period of four days, encompassing the announcement and introduction of the new battery pack for Model S and X by Tesla as well as the accompanying and follow-up reporting by the financial news media.

Findings

Findings show that market reactions are driven by business events and expectations among the market rather than the follow-up reporting by financial news media. Financial online news instead seems to heavily rely on Elon Musk’s attention-triggering news to sustain its 24-h airtime with a variety of reporting tools, keeping the highly demanded audience engaged. Eventually, Twitter accounts of media visible companies and personalities, such as Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk, have been found to be useful market information sources for day traders and shareholders to trade at a profit.

Originality/value

The study is a response to recent discussions about the legitimacy of Twitter communication by CEOs or representatives of listed companies. The findings show that Twitter communication needs to be well considered in light of strict market regulations (e.g. SEC in the USA) regarding insider-trading and the publication of market-relevant information. In addition, corporate financial communication should avoid impetuous communication via social media channels as this could have deterrent effects on the market valuation of a listed company.
No end in sight: the international drug control system once again baulks at the prospect of reform
Authors: Axel Klein , Stothard Blaine
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In two separate sections the authors summarise the observations, use the insights to reflect on some of the propositions made in the book, and follow the appeal of one of the authors to civil society and academics to “help governments out of the drug policy dilemma that is now facing them”. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The genre the authors follow here is ethnography and the material takes the form of reflective field notes. Since each author follows a particular set of interests the authors split the paper into two sections. There are no strong conclusions, safe that the concerns about the international drug control system were fully borne out by events on the floor.

Findings

The role of CSOs is critical in moving the process forward – but countries are likely to drift apart as the policy differences are becoming inrreconcilable.

Research limitations/implications

It is imperative to develop new models of cooperation in the management of psychactive substances.

Practical implications

This is in recognition that at national level just as much as at Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) and UN General Assembly Special Session the increased involvement of CSOs has been pivotal in shifting focus towards public health and human rights. This in turn has encouraged some nations to do the same in their domestic policies – and to stand up and say so in CND meetings.

Social implications

More involvement of academics and editorial teams in the design of sustainable policies and practices.

Originality/value

In a critical report on the CND the authors challenge the viability of the international drug control regime in view of the emerging differences between different member states. This is the first attempt in the drug policy literature to assess the durability of the drug control regime as it is faced by the fast paced transformation of cannabis into a recognised medicine and regulated recreational substance. If the appearance of agreement is maintained this is entirely for diplomatic reasons and organisational benefit. In reality, the system is breaking apart and new methods for regulating drugs are emerging.
Smart campus tools 2.0 exploring the use of real-time space use measurement at universities and organizations
Authors: Valks Bart , Arkesteijn Monique , Den Heijer Alexandra
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to generate knowledge about the use of smart campus tools to improve the effective and efficient use of campuses. Many universities are facing a challenge in attuning their accommodation to organisational demand. How can universities invest their resources as effectively as possible and not in space that will be poorly utilized? The hypothesis of this paper is that by using smart campus tools, this problem can be solved.

Design/methodology/approach

To answer the research question, previous survey at 13 Dutch universities was updated and compared with a survey of various universities and other organizations. The survey consisted of interviews with structured and semi-structured questions, which resulted in a unified output for 27 cases.

Findings

Based on the output of the cases, the development of smart campus tools at Dutch universities was compared to that of international universities and other organizations. Furthermore, the data collection led to insights regarding the reasons for initiating smart campus tools, user and management information, costs and benefits and foreseen developments.

Originality/value

Although the use of smart tools in practice has gained significant momentum in the past few years, research on the subject is still very technology-oriented and not well-connected to facility management and real estate management. This paper provides an overview of the ways in which universities and organizations are currently supporting their users, improving the use of their buildings and reducing their energy footprint through the use of smart tools.
Application of conjoint analysis to the optimum design for fabric printing patterns
Authors: Lin Chiahsu , Wang Ya-Ching
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to construct the best combination of fabric printing pattern’s attributes to obtain the optimum design to meet the markets need.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviewed the morphological analysis of fashion design expert groups regarding the fashionable fabric printing patterns, as well as the attribute preferences for different groups of fabric printing patterns through focus group discussions. In addition, the conjoint analysis was used to calculate the part-worth of these patterns’ design attributes and design levels to obtain the optimum design for fabric printing patterns.

Findings

The results of this study showed that the most importance of fabric attributes is the secondary pattern (32.59 percent), while the weights of shading element (24.80 percent) and primary pattern (24.46 percent) are almost the same. This study found that a wide range of intertwining image primary pattern can be applied to create interesting and popular fabric printing pattern designs. In practical applications of this result, when the primary pattern is supported by the buyer, fabric designers may use New Classic composite plants, with simple shading and different cycling configuration, to reproduce the optimum designs of the fabric printing patterns.

Originality/value

This proposed a novel solution to figure out the combination basis for optimizing fabric printing pattern designs. In addition, this result helps fabric printing pattern designers to establish an optimal design method for a specific brand to create a unique printing pattern design.
Interdependence and contagion in the period of crisis
Authors: Santos Carolina Macagnani dos , Gaio Luiz Eduardo , Pimenta Junior Tabajara , Cicconi Eduardo Garbes
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the relationship of interdependence and contagion between BRICS countries and emerging non-BRICS countries is similar to that observed between developed countries and emerging BRICS countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed 15 markets: 5 BRICS, 5 developed (USA, Japan, Germany, England and France) and 5 emerging markets (Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, Iran and Poland). Based on the time series of returns of the main stock indexes of each country, referring to the period from 2008 to 2018, the authors applied Granger causality tests, vector auto-regression and the dynamic conditional correlation-GARCH model.

Findings

The results led to the rejection of the main hypothesis and showed adherence to the behaviors predicted in the literature for the relations between the groups of markets.

Originality/value

This paper, besides analyzing the interdependence between markets in times of crisis, analyzes the effect of contagion between developed and emerging markets.
An alternative approach to safety integrity level determination: results from a case study
Authors: Ouazraoui Nouara , Nait-Said Rachid
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to validate a fuzzy risk graph model through a case study results carried out on a safety instrumented system (SIS).

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model is based on an inference fuzzy system and deals with uncertainty data used as inputs of the conventional risk graph method. The coherence and redundancy of the developed fuzzy rules base are first verified in the case study. A new fuzzy model is suggested for a multi-criteria characterization of the avoidance possibility parameter. The fuzzy safety integrity level (SIL) is determined for two potential accident scenarios.

Findings

The applicability of the proposed fuzzy model on SIS shows the importance and pertinence of the proposed fuzzy model as decision-making tools in preventing industrial hazards while taking into consideration uncertain aspects of the data used on the conventional risk graph method. The obtained results show that the use of continuous fuzzy scales solves the problem of interpreting results and provides a more flexible structure to combine risk graph parameters. Therefore, a decision is taken on the basis of precise integrity level values and protective actions in the real world are suggested.

Originality/value

Fuzzy logic-based safety integrity assessment allows assessment of the SIL in a more realistic way by using the notion of the linguistic variable for representing information that is qualitative and imprecise and, therefore, ensures better decision making on risk prevention.
BIM-based facilities information: streamlining the information exchange process
Authors: Matarneh Sandra , Danso-Amoako Mark , Al-Bizri Salam , Gaterell Mark , Matarneh Rana
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to address challenges in the current information exchange process between building information modelling (BIM) and facilities management (FM) systems and to propose a workable solution. This study’s objective is to identify the information exchange requirements and to develop methods for seamless information flow between building information models and FM systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection and analysis was based on an extensive literature review of similar studies followed by a questionnaire survey with a total of 112 participants and 2 focus groups with a total of 12 participants to validate the conceptual framework. The outputs of the survey analysis formed the background of the proposed framework to streamline information exchange process between building information models and FM systems.

Findings

The study findings form a foundation for enabling the integration of various data sources including building information models. Such integrated platforms will enable automated information exchange between the various data sources and FM systems. The study also provides key information requirements sources to complement the existing construction operations building information exchange information and to support standardization for information exchange process.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is the identification of information exchange requirements and sources to enable seamless information flow between BIM and FM systems. The study findings will also lay the basis for research studies using the developed framework context to enable the identification of specific data outputs for FM systems inputs.
A framework integrating corporate social responsibility for marketing architectural design firms in developing countries
Authors: Othman Ayman Ahmed Ezzat , Hafez Mai Gamal
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a framework based on corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a novel approach for marketing architectural design firms (ADFs) in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this aim, a research strategy consists of literature review and survey questionnaire is designed to accomplish four objectives: first, to examine the concepts of marketing and CSR in construction; second, to investigate the perception and application of CSR as a marketing tool for ADFs in developing countries; third, to develop a framework based on CSR as an approach for marketing ADFs in developing countries; and finally, to outline research conclusions and recommendations useful to government, ADFs and future research.

Findings

The research highlighted the inefficiency of current marketing strategies in developing countries due to lack of considering community needs, using incomprehensible technical language in communication with clients and misrepresenting the calibers of ADFs. ADFs believe that CSR can play a role in increasing their marketability. This requires governmental involvement and overcoming the barriers of adopting CSR.

Originality/value

This paper proposed a framework based on CSR as a novel approach for marketing ADFs in developing countries. This ideology has received scant attention in construction literature. The proposed framework represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the original body of knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.
Open-ended real estate funds: from flows to property
Authors: Baranyai Eszter
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to uncover the relationship between flows and real estate investment at open-ended real estate funds (OEREFs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs fixed-effects panel regressions, relying on data from the Hungarian fund managers’ trade association. First, the effect of lagged flows on allocation to real estate is assessed. Second, the paper studies how this relationship changes as the cyclical position of CRE market advances using two proxies.

Findings

Flows are found to affect funds’ real estate holdings if they occurred 12–18 months earlier. Inflows (outflows) in the preceding six months demonstrably lower (increase) funds’ real estate holdings ratio. Beyond this relationship, findings do not suggest that less funds are channelled to real estate as “CRE heat” intensifies.

Practical implications

In an environment marked by strong cash inflows, the investment lag can translate into a significant drop in funds’ exposure to real estate. The share of real estate at Hungarian funds in the sample, for example, fell from 79 to 50 per cent on average over the period of 2011–2017. Measures designed to limit inflows are in the interest of those existing investors who wish to avoid a dilution of the core investment strategy.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the literature on OEREFs which has been particularly scarce on liquidity transformation during non-crisis times and on non-German funds.
The effect of process parameters on the residual stress of selective laser melted Inconel 718 thin-walled part
Authors: Chen Changpeng , Yin Jie , Zhu Haihong , Zeng Xiaoyan , Wang Guoqing , Ke Linda , Zhu Junjie , Chang Shijie
Published: August 2019

Purpose

High residual stress caused by the high temperature gradient brings undesired effects such as shrinkage and cracking in selective laser melting (SLM). The purpose of this study is to predict the residual stress distribution and the effect of process parameters on the residual stress of selective laser melted (SLMed) Inconel 718 thin-walled part.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-dimensional (3D) indirect sequentially coupled thermal–mechanical finite element model was developed to predict the residual stress distribution of SLMed Inconel 718 thin-walled part. The material properties dependent on temperature were taken into account in both thermal and mechanical analyses, and the thermal elastic–plastic behavior of the material was also considered.

Findings

The residual stress changes from compressive stress to tensile stress along the deposition direction, and the residual stress increases with the deposition height. The maximum stress occurs at both ends of the interface between the part and substrate, while the second largest stress occurs near the top center of the part. The residual stress increases with the laser power, with the maximum equivalent stress increasing by 21.79 per cent as the laser power increases from 250 to 450 W. The residual stress decreases with an increase in scan speed with a reduction in the maximum equivalent stress of 13.67 per cent, as the scan speed increases from 500 to 1,000 mm/s. The residual stress decreases with an increase in layer thickness, and the maximum equivalent stress reduces by 33.12 per cent as the layer thickness increases from 20 to 60µm.

Originality/value

The residual stress distribution and effect of process parameters on the residual stress of SLMed Inconel 718 thin-walled part are investigated in detail. This study provides a better understanding of the residual stress in SLM and constructive guidance for process parameters optimization.
Steps towards a CSR binding paradigm
Authors: Masson Léna
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to pursue the dialogue on the global firms’ regulation vis-à-vis human rights and labor standards in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Locke’s book The Promise and Limits of Private Power is analyzed and discussed with respect to more recent global regulation literature and mechanisms.

Findings

Locke advocates that private voluntary regulation has to be combined with local laws in developing countries to fully enforce labor standards and workers’ rights. In light of recent changes, the interesting model proposed by Locke shows some weaknesses.

Originality/value

To enforce labor standards and workers’ rights in developing countries, the author argue that governments in developed countries need to be seen as major players in multinational corporations (MNCs) regulations. But above all, the economic model needs to be questioned.
Benefits, Challenges, and Opportunities of Conducting a Collaborative Research Course in an International University Partnership: A Study Case Between Kansas State University and Tallinn University of Technology
Authors: Adriana Lezama‐Solano , Mauricio Castro , Delores Chambers , Loreida Timberg , Kadri Koppel , Edgar Chambers , Yu Huizi
Published: August 2019

A globalized world requires research to transcend geographical boundaries; this includes training students in international collaborative research. The purpose of this project was to identify the benefits, opportunities, and challenges of students from two universities (Kansas State Univ. and Tallin Univ. of Technology) working on an international research project together. For this purpose, six graduate students from the Center for Sensory Analysis and Consumer Behavior, Kansas State Univ., partnered with 20 Food Science major students from a Product Development class at Tallinn Univ. of Technology. Students worked together by distance in a partnership developing a rye bread sensory lexicon for systematically understanding the sensory properties of this product category, conducting Landscape analysis by using sensory mapping techniques on rye bread products from Northeast Europe for capturing the market complexity and to identify opportunity for new product development and new products concepts. Students from Kansas then went to Estonia for further meetings. After the trip, students and professors were asked for their feedback. Results showed that students identify learning food trends from another country as the main benefit of their international collaboration, followed by intercultural skills and knowledge transfer. Language and difference in time zones, as well as educational backgrounds, were identified by students as the main challenges of the collaboration. When US students were asked to rate the learning outcomes stated in the syllabus, understanding the cultural characteristics of Estonia was the one scored highest. Professors mentioned this opportunity is unique because it gives a cultural component programs usually not only an offer and a chance to develop time management skills by working across divergent time zones, but also to practice options for managing language barriers. This project shows that it is possible to setup a partnership between students across different countries and have a positive outcome that includes unique learning experiences for students; especially in terms of time and project management.
Partnerships and production: Agriculture and polygyny in Tanzanian households
Authors: Damon Amy L. , McCarthy Aine Seitz
Published: August 2019

Women make important contributions to household food production in sub‐Saharan Africa. Women's agricultural productivity is often reduced, however, by inefficient intrahousehold allocation of agricultural resources. Complex marital structures found in polygynous households may complicate resource allocation. Using three waves of the Tanzania Living Standards Measurement Survey–Integrated Survey on Agriculture, we measure the effect of the marital structure, wife position, and plot management on agricultural productivity and input allocations. We find evidence of cooperation within polygynous households. Plots managed by husbands and wives in polygynous households produce more valuable crops, have higher yields, and are more likely to use fertilizer than their monogamous counterparts. Within polygynous households, we observe that plots jointly managed by husbands, first wives, and second wives (together) have significantly more family labor than plots managed by husbands and first wives. This result may provide evidence of different production technologies across plot managers within the same households.
The impact of uterine artery embolization on ovarian reserve: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: El Shamy Tarek , Amer Saad A. K. , Mohamed Ahmed A. , James Cathryn , Jayaprakasan Kannamannadiar
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) has been gaining increasing popularity as an effective and minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids. However, there has been growing concern over the risk of unintended embolization of the utero‐ovarian circulation, leading to reduction of ovarian blood supply with subsequent impairment of ovarian reserve. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of UAE on circulating anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) and other markers of ovarian reserve.

Material and methods

This meta‐analysis included all published cohort, cross‐sectional and case‐control studies, as well as randomized trials that investigated the impact of UAE on circulating AMH. Data sources included MEDLINE, EMBASE, Dynamed Plus, ScienceDirect, TRIP database, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane Library from January 2000 to June 2019. All identified articles were screened, and articles were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. AMH and other data were extracted from the eligible articles and entered into RevMan software to calculate the weighted mean difference between pre‐ and post‐embolization values. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017082615.

Results

This review included 3 cohort and 3 case‐control studies (n = 353). The duration of follow up after UAE ranged between 3 and 12 months. Overall pooled analysis of all studies showed no significant effect of UAE on serum AMH levels (weighted mean difference –0.58 ng/mL; 95% CI –1.5 to 0.36, I2 = 95%). Subgroup analysis according to age of participants (under and over 40 years) and according to follow‐up duration (3, 6 and 12 months) showed no significant change in post‐embolization circulating AMH. Pooled analysis of serum follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations (4 studies, n = 248) revealed no statistically significant change after UAE (weighted mean difference 4.32; 95% CI –0.53 to 9.17; I2 = 95%). Analysis of 2 studies (n = 62) measuring antral follicle count showed a significant decline at 3‐month follow up (weighted mean difference –3.28; 95% CI –5.62 to –0.93; I2 = 94%).

Conclusions

Uterine artery embolization for uterine fibroids does not seem to affect ovarian reserve as measured by serum concentrations of AMH and FSH.
Pathologic placental lesions in early and late fetal growth restriction
Authors: Spinillo Arsenio , Gardella Barbara , Adamo Laura , Muscettola Giulia , Fiandrino Giacomo , Cesari Stefania
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the differences in individual histopathologic placental lesions in pregnancies complicated by early‐onset (<32 weeks at diagnosis) and late‐onset (≥32 weeks at diagnosis) fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Material and methods

A cohort study of 440 singleton pregnancies complicated by FGR, diagnosed according to standard ultrasonographic criteria, followed up and delivered at the same institution between 2010 and 2016. Placental lesions were classified according to the Amsterdam Placental Workshop Consensus Criteria. Pathologic examination of placentas from 113 healthy singleton term pregnancies served as controls. Binary and multinomial logistic regression models were used to evaluate the independent association of placental lesions with the type of FGR.

Results

In our cohort the prevalences of early and late FGR were 37.3% (164/440) and 62.7% (276/440), respectively. The overall rates of preeclampsia (69/164 vs 59/276, P < 0.01) and absent/reversed umbilical artery pulsatility indices (61/164 vs 14/276, P < 0.001) were higher among early FGR than late FGR. Placental characteristics from early and late FGR pregnancies differed mainly in regard to maternal vascular malperfusion scores rather than fetal scores, with preeclampsia found to be a cofactor modulating the rates and severity of associated lesions. In the binary logistic analysis, recent infarcts (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.2‐5), distal villous hypoplasia (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.0‐3.2), atherosis (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.35‐5.47), persistent endovascular trophoblasts (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.03‐2.7), and a reduced fetal/placental weight score (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.2‐0.38) were independently associated with an increased likelihood of early FGR compared with late FGR. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of the model were 60% (95% CI 51.2‐66.2), 89.1% (95% CI 84.9‐92.3), and 0.81 (95% CI 0.77‐0.85), respectively, suggesting a fair to good predictive value.

Conclusions

Individual placental lesions suggestive of increased rates of ischemia, defective remodeling of spiral arteries, peripheral hypoxia interfering with villus development, and reduced placental efficiency were significantly more common in early FGR than late FGR.
Scaffolding design thinking in online STEM preservice teacher training
Authors: Wu Bian , Hu Yiling , Wang Minhong
Published: August 2019

Despite growing awareness of the importance of incorporating integrated science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning into K‐12 education, formal classroom implementation still faces obstacles. Teachers lack the knowledge and skills, especially design‐thinking competence, required to design an interdisciplinary STEM curriculum. The goal of this study was to investigate different scaffolding modes that may influence the design‐thinking competence development of STEM teachers. Twenty‐four preservice teachers participated in this study, which was carried out in an online STEM preservice teacher training environment. The participants were assigned to six groups of two cohorts. Each group designed a STEM learning module. To support their online design meetings, the three groups from the static scaffolding cohort (SSC) received pre‐defined guiding questions, while the other three groups from the adaptive scaffolding cohort (ASC) received contingent scaffolding from a human tutor. The Log data on the participants’ conversations in the design meetings were collected and analysed using the epistemic network analysis (ENA) approach. The results revealed that the SSC and ASC had divergent design‐thinking development trajectories and established distinct design‐thinking patterns. Conversation analysis of the two cohorts confirmed the findings of the ENA analysis and provided evidence that the two scaffolding modes can help address challenges to collaborative STEM learning design and cultivate design‐thinking competence from different perspectives.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

Integrated and interdisciplinary STEM curriculum should be incorporated into K‐12 education.

Teachers lack the design‐thinking competence required to design an integrated and interdisciplinary STEM curriculum.

What this paper adds

Static scaffolding and adaptive scaffolding help STEM preservice teachers to develop process‐oriented and result‐oriented design‐thinking patterns, respectively.

STEM preservice teachers present divergent design‐thinking development trajectories during collaborative STEM learning design under these two scaffolding modes.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Integrated STEM learning design should leverage the complexity in the design process and creativity in the design solutions.

Different scaffolding modes can complement each other in support of design‐thinking competence development in collaborative STEM learning design practice.