bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 50 years of coral disease research visualized through the scope of network theory
Authors: Montilla Luis M. , Ascanio Alfredo , Verde Alejandra , Croquer Aldo
Published: December 2018

Coral disease research encompasses five decades of undeniable progress. Since the first descriptions of anomalous signs, we have come to understand multiple processes and environmental drivers that interact with coral pathologies. To gain a better insight into the knowledge we already have, we explored how key topics in coral disease research have been related to each other using network analysis. We reviewed 719 papers and conference proceedings published from 1965 to 2017. From each study, four elements determined our network nodes: 1) studied disease(s); 2) host genus; 3) marine ecoregion(s) associated with the study site; and 4) research objectives. Basic properties of this network confirmed that there is a set of specific topics comprising the majority of research. The top five diseases, genera, and ecoregions studied accounted for over 48% of the research effort in all cases. The community structure analysis identified 15 clusters of topics with different degrees of overlap among them. These clusters represent the typical sets of elements that appear together for a given study. Our results show that while some coral diseases have been studied considering multiple aspects, the overall trend is for most diseases to be understood under a limited range of approaches, e.g. bacterial assemblages have been considerably studied in Yellow and Black band diseases while immune response has been better examined for the aspergillosis-Gorgoniasystem. Thus, our challenge in the near future is to identify and resolve potential gaps in order to achieve a more comprehensive progress on coral disease research.
Face-selective units in human ventral temporal cortex reactivate during free recall
Authors: Khuvis Simon , Yeagle Erin M. , Norman Yitzhak , Grossman Shany , Malach Rafael , Mehta Ashesh D.
Published: December 2018

Properties of face-responsive individual neurons in the human ventral temporal cortex (VTC) have yet to be studied, and their role in conscious perception remains unknown. To explore this, we implanted microelectrodes into the VTCs of eight human subjects undergoing invasive epilepsy monitoring. Most (26 of 33) category-selective units showed specificity for face stimuli, with a range of response profiles. Different face exemplars evoked consistent and discriminable responses in the population of units sampled. During a free recall task, face-selective units selectively reactivated in the absence of visual stimulation during the 2-second window prior to face recall events. Furthermore, the identity of the recalled face could be predicted by comparing activity preceding recall events to activity evoked by visual stimulation.
Single molecule localization microscopy with autonomous feedback loops for ultrahigh precision
Authors: Coelho Simao , Baek Jongho , Graus Matthew S. , Halstead James M. , Nicovich Philip R. , Feher Kristen , Gandhi Hetvi , Gaus Katharina
Published: December 2018

Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) promises to provide truly molecular scale images of biological specimens1–5. However, mechanical instabilities in the instrument, readout errors and sample drift constitute significant challenges and severely limit both the useable data acquisition length and the localization accuracy of single molecule emitters6. Here, we developed an actively stabilized total internal fluorescence (TIRF) microscope that performs 3D real-time drift corrections and achieves a stability of ≤1 nm. Self-alignment of the emission light path and corrections of readout errors of the camera automate channel alignment and ensure localization precisions of 1-4 nm in DNA origami structures and cells for different labels. We used Feedback SMLM to measure the separation distance of signaling receptors and phosphatases in T cells. Thus, an improved SMLM enables direct distance measurements between molecules in intact cells on the scale between 1-20 nm, potentially replacing Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) to quantify molecular interactions7. In summary, by overcoming the major bottlenecks in SMLM imaging, it is possible to generate molecular images with nanometer accuracy and conduct distance measurements on the biological relevant length scales.
CRISPR spacers indicate preferential matching of specific virioplankton genes
Authors: Nasko Daniel Joseph , Ferrell Barbra D , Moore Ryan M , Bhavsar Jaysheel , Polson Shawn W. , Wommack K. Eric
Published: December 2018

Viral infection exerts selection pressure on marine microbes as viral-induced cell lysis causes 20 to 50% of cell mortality resulting in fluxes of biomass into oceanic dissolved organic matter. Archaeal and bacterial populations can defend against viral infection using the CRISPR-Cas system which relies on specific matching between a spacer sequence and a viral gene. If a CRISPR spacer match to any gene within a viral genome is equally effective in preventing lysis, then no viral genes should be preferentially matched by CRISPR spacers. However, if there are differences in effectiveness then certain viral genes may demonstrate a greater frequency of CRISPR spacer matches. Indeed, homology search analyses of bacterioplankton CRISPR spacer sequences against virioplankton sequences revealed preferential matching of replication proteins, nucleic acid binding proteins, and viral structural proteins. Positive selection pressure for effective viral defense is one parsimonious explanation for these observations. CRISPR spacers from virioplankton metagenomes preferentially matched methyltransferase and phage integrase genes within virioplankton sequences. These viriolankton CRISPR spacers may assist infected host cells in defending against competing phage. Analyses also revealed that half of the spacer-matched viral genes were unknown and that some genes matched several spacers and some spacers matched multiple genes, a many-to-many relationship. Thus, CRISPR spacer matching may be an evolutionary algorithm, agnostically identifying those genes under stringent selection pressure for sustaining viral infection and lysis. Investigating this subset of viral genes could reveal those genetic mechanisms essential to viral-host interactions and provide new technologies for optimizing CRISPR defense in beneficial microbes.
High-throughput microfluidic characterization of erythrocyte shape and mechanical variability
Authors: Reichel Felix , Mauer Johannes , Nawaz Ahmad Ahsan , Gompper Gerhard , Guck Jochen , Fedosov Dmitry A.
Published: December 2018

The motion of red blood cells (RBCs) in microchannels is important for microvascular blood flow and biomedical applications such as blood analysis in microfluidics. The current understanding of the complexity of RBC shapes and dynamics in microchannels is mainly based on several simulation studies, but there are a few systematic experimental investigations. Here, we present a combined study, which systematically characterizes RBC behavior for a wide range of flow rates and channel sizes. Even though simulations and experiments generally show good agreement, experimental observations demonstrate that there is no single well-defined RBC state for fixed flow conditions, but rather a broad distribution of states. This result can be attributed to the inherent variability in RBC mechanical properties, which is confirmed by a model that takes the variation in RBC shear elasticity into account. This represents a significant step toward a quantitative connection between RBC behavior in microfluidic devices and their mechanical properties, which is essential for a high-throughput characterization of diseased cells.

Significance Statement

The ability to change shape is crucial for the proper functioning of red blood cells under harsh conditions in the microvasculature, since their shapes strongly affect the flow behavior of whole blood. Our results from simulations and systematic experiments reveal the shapes and dynamics of red blood cells for different flow conditions and channel dimensions, generally in good agreement. However, in the experiments, cells do not exhibit a single well-defined shape for fixed flow conditions. We show that this distribution of shapes can be attributed to the variability in mechanical properties of red blood cells.
Electromyographic analysis of the suprahyoid muscles in infants based on the lingual fraenulum attachment during breastfeeding
Authors: França Ellia Christinne de Lima , Albuquerque Lucas Carvalho Aragão , Martinelli Roberta Castro Lopes , Gonçalves Ilda Machado Fiuza , Souza Cejana Biocchi , Barbosa Maria Alves ,   Ellia Christinne de Lima França Lucas C Aragão Roberta Lopes de Castro Martinelli Ilda
Published: December 2018

Introduction
Muscle electrical activity analysis can aid in the identification of oral motor dysfunctions such as those resulting from altered lingual fraenulum which, in turn, impairs feeding. We aimed to analyse suprahyoid muscle electrical activity of infants based on lingual fraenulum attachment to the sublingual (ventral) aspect of the tongue and floor of the mouth, during breastfeeding.
Methods and Results
We studied full-term infants of both genders aged between 1–4 months. Lingual fraenulum evaluation and surface suprahyoid muscle electromyography was performed during breastfeeding. Mean muscle activities were recorded in microvolts and converted into percent values (normalisation) of the reference value. Associations between root mean square and independent variables were tested by one-way analysis of variance and Student’s t-test with significance level of 5% and test power of 95%.
We evaluated 235 infants while breastfeeding. The lingual fraenulum was commonly attached to the tongue’s ventral aspect between middle third and apex, and on the mouth floor visible from the lower alveolar ridge. Lower muscle activity was observed with lingual fraenulum attached to apex/lower alveolar ridge, followed by attachment to middle third/lower alveolar ridge, and between middle third and apex/lower alveolar ridge. Highest activity observed in Infants with attachment to middle third/sublingual caruncles, had a thin lingual fraenulum, performed several sucks followed by short pauses, showed coordination between swallowing, sucking, and breathing, did not “bite” nipple, and showed no tongue snapping nor stress.
Conclusion
Greater suprahyoid muscle activity during breastfeeding was observed with lingual fraenulum attachment to middle third of the tongue/sublingual caruncles, showed coordination between swallowing, sucking, and breathing. Surface electromyography is effective in diagnosing lingual fraenulum alterations, whose attachment point raises doubts as restriction of tongue mobility. This technique identifies possible oral motor dysfunctions, enables direct therapeutic interventions and early intervention, and prevents feeding and communication alterations.
²²
Effects of long-lasting insecticide net (LLINs) ownership/utilisation indicators on annual household malaria episodes (AHMEs) in three Health Districts in Cameroon
Authors: Cho Frederick Nchang , Fru Paulette Ngum , Cho Blessing Menyi , Munguh Solange Fri , Jokwi Patrick Kofon , Ngah Yayah Emerencia , Fru Celestina Neh , Tassang Andrew N , Ekobo Albert Same
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Household residents in malaria endemic areas are at high risk of multiple malaria episodes per year. This study investigated the annual household malaria episodes (AHMEs) in three health districts in Cameroon.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional household survey using a multi-stage cluster design was conducted 2 – 3 years post campaign to assess long-lasting insecticide net (LLINs) ownership, utilisation, and maintenance as well as demographic characteristics. Multinomial regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with household LLIN ownership, utilization, and AHME.

Results

Household LLINs ownership, de-facto population with universal utilisation, and AHME were respectively, 92.5%, 16.0%, and 83.4%; thus, 4 out of 25 household residents effectively used LLINs the previous night. AHME was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with age and gender (OR; 1.6, 95% C.I; 1.1 – 2.3) of household head, health district (OR; 2.8, 95% C.I; 1.1 – 7.2) and tiredness (OR; 2.6, 95% C.I; 1.0 – 6.3). LLINs ownership and insufficiency also significantly contributed to AHME. The overall average cost for the treatment of malaria was 6,399.4±4,892.8Fcfa (11.1±8.5US$).

Conclusions

The proportion of households with at least one LLIN and those with at least one AHME were high. Findings are of concern given that average cost for the treatment of malaria represents a potentially high economic burden. The results outlined in this paper provide an important tool for the examination of the deficiencies in LLINs regular and universal utilisation.
ETAPOD: A forecast model for prediction of black pod disease Outbreak in Nigeria
Authors: Etaware Peter Mudiaga , Adedeji Adegboyega R. , Osowole Oyedeji I , Odebode Adegboyega C. ,   Peter Mudiaga Etaware
Published: December 2018

The misuse of toxic fungicides by indigenous cocoa farmers in Nigeria stem from their inability to predict the time for black pod disease (BPD) outbreak. Prediction of possible time for BPD outbreak will provide spotlight on areas under massive BPD invasion, minimise fungicide misuse and increase control accuracy. The Multiple Regression Model (MRM): Y=α+β1X1+β2X2+…+βnXn where Y is Nx1 matrix of response variable, X1,X2,…Xn are NxK matrices of regressors, and β1,β2,…βn regression coefficients was used in model development. Eight models (MRM1-MRM8) were fitted from real life BPD data. The performances of the models were ascertained using SER, RMSEpred and R-SqAdj. Prediction(s) made by the best fitted model was compared to real life observations (Monthly BPD Occurrence (MBO), Total Annual Occurrence (TAO), and Average Annual Occurrence (AAO), respectively). The preferred model was MRM5 (ETAPOD) followed by MRM4, MRM1, MRM2, and MRM3 in terms of SER (0.22, 0.39, 0.45, 0.45 and 0.45), RMSEpred.(0.30, 039, 0.46, 0.46 and 0.46) and R-SqAdj.(0.67, 0.49, 0.32, 0.32, and 0.31), respectively. Predictions on BPD outbreak made by ETAPOD showed that MBO, TAO and AAO for some selected stations i.e. ?wenà and Wáàsimi were 9.05, 72.3 and 6.0% compared with observed BPD values of 9.5, 70.0, and 5.8%, respectively. Adaàgbà, Iyánf?w?r?gi, and Owódé-Igàngán had 9.43, 77.8, and 6.5% as their predicted BPD values compared with the observed values of 9.0, 53.5, and 4.46%, respectively. ETAPOD performed better than other models and its predicted values were within the range of real life occurrence.
A biosafety level-2 dose-dependent lethal mouse model of spotted fever rickettsiosis: Rickettsia parkeri Atlantic Rainforest-like isolate
Authors: Londoño Andrés Felipe , Mendell Nicole L. , Walker David H. , Bouyer Donald H. ,   Andrés F. Londoño, Nicole L. Mendell, David H. Walker, Donald H. Bouyer
Published: December 2018

Background

The species of the Rickettsia genus is separated into four groups: the ancestral group, typhus group, transitional group and spotted fever group. Rickettsia parkeri, a spotted fever group Rickettsia, has been reported across the American continents as infecting several tick species and is associated with a relatively mild human disease characterized by eschar formation at the tick feeding site, fever, myalgia and rash. Currently several mouse models that provide a good approach to study the acute lethal disease caused by Rickettsia, but these models can only be performed in an animal biosafety level 3 laboratory. We present an alternative mouse model for acute lethal rickettsial disease, using R. parkeri and C3H/HeN mice, with the advantage that this model can be studied in an animal biosafety level 2 laboratory.

Principal findings

In the C3H/HeN mouse model, we determined that infection with 1x106 and 1x107 viable R. parkeri Atlantic Rainforest-like isolate produced dose-dependent severity, whereas infection with 1x108 viable bacteria resulted in a lethal illness. The animals became moribund on day five or six post-infection. The lethal disease was characterized by ruffled fur, erythema, labored breathing, decreased activity, and hunched back, which began on day three post-infection (p.i.) and coincided with the peak bacterial loads. Significant splenomegaly (on days three and five p.i.), neutrophilia (on days three and five p.i.), and thrombocytopenia (on days one, three and five p.i.) were observed.

Significance

The greatest advantage of this inbred mouse model is the ability to investigate immunity and pathogenesis of rickettsiosis with all the tools available at biosafety level 2.
Contingency in the convergent evolution of a regulatory network: Dosage compensation in Drosophila
Authors: Bachtrog Doris , Ellison Chris
Published: December 2018

The repeatability or predictability of evolution is a central question in evolutionary biology, and most often addressed in experimental evolution studies. Here, we infer how genetically heterogeneous natural systems acquire the same molecular changes, to address how genomic background affects adaptation in natural populations. In particular, we take advantage of independently formed neo-sex chromosomes in Drosophila species that have evolved dosage compensation by co-opting the dosage compensation (MSL) complex, to study the mutational paths that have led to the acquisition of 100s of novel binding sites for the MSL complex in different species. This complex recognizes a conserved 21-bp GA-rich sequence motif that is enriched on the X chromosome, and newly formed X chromosomes recruit the MSL complex by de novo acquisition of this binding motif. We identify recently formed sex chromosomes in the Drosophila repleta and robusta species groups by genome sequencing, and generate genomic occupancy maps of the MSL complex to infer the location of novel binding sites. We find that diverse mutational paths were utilized in each species to evolve 100s of de novo binding motifs along the neo-X, including expansions of microsatellites and transposable element insertions. However, the propensity to utilize a particular mutational path differs between independently formed X chromosomes, and appears to be contingent on genomic properties of that species, such as simple repeat or transposable element density. This establishes the “genomic environment” as an important determinant in predicting the outcome of evolutionary adaptations.
An acetonitrile-solvated cocrystal of piroxicam and succinic acid with co-existing zwitterionic and non-ionized piroxicam molecules
Authors: Liu Xiaojiao , Michalchuk Adam A. L. , Pulham Colin R. , Boldyreva Elena V.
Published: December 2018

This work reports a new acetonitrile (ACN)-solvated cocrystal of piroxicam (PRX) and succinic acid (SA), 2C15H13N3O4S·0.5C4H6O4·C2H3N or PRX:SA:ACN (4:1:2), which adopts the triclinic space groupP\overline{1}. The outcome of crystallization from ACN solution can be controlled by varying only the PRX:SA ratio, with a higher PRX:SA ratio in solution unexpectedly favouring a lower stoichiometric ratio in the solid product. In the new solvate, zwitterionic (Z) and non-ionized (NI) PRX molecules co-exist in the asymmetric unit. In contrast, the nonsolvated PRX–SA cocrystal contains only NI-type PRX molecules. The ACN molecule entrapped in PRX–SA·ACN does not form any hydrogen bonds with the surrounding molecules. In the solvated cocrystal, Z-type molecules form dimers linked by intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds, whereas every pair of NI-type molecules is linked to SAviaN—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds. Thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry suggest that thermal desolvation of the solvate sample occurs at 148 °C, and is followed by recrystallization, presumably of a multicomponent PRX–SA structure. Vibrational spectra (IR and Raman spectroscopy) of PRX–SA·ACN and PRX–SA are also used to demonstrate the ability of spectroscopic techniques to distinguish between NI- and Z-type PRX molecules in the solid state. Hence, vibrational spectroscopy can be used to distinguish the PRX–SA cocrystal and its ACN solvate.
The surprising pairing of 2-aminoimidazo[1,2-a][1,3,5]triazin-4-one, a component of an expanded DNA alphabet
Authors: Laos Roberto , Lampropoulos Christos , Benner Steven A.
Published: December 2018

Synthetic biologists demonstrate their command over natural biology by reproducing the behaviors of natural living systems on synthetic biomolecular platforms. For nucleic acids, this is being done stepwise, first by adding replicable nucleotides to DNA, and then removing its standard nucleotides. This challenge has been met in vitro with `six-letter' DNA and RNA, where the Watson–Crick pairing `concept' is recruited to increase the number of independently replicable nucleotides from four to six. The two nucleobases most successfully added so far are Z and P, which present a donor–donor–acceptor and an acceptor–acceptor–donor pattern, respectively. This pair of nucleobases are part of an `artificially expanded genetic information system' (AEGIS). The Z nucleobase has been already crystallized, characterized, and published in this journal [Matsuura et al. (2016). Acta Cryst. C72, 952–959]. More recently, variants of Taq polymerase have been crystallized with the pair P:Z trapped in the active site. Here we report the crystal structure of the nucleobase 2-aminoimidazo[1,2-a][1,3,5]triazin-4-one (trivially named P) as the monohydrate, C5H5N5O·H2O. The nucleobase P was crystallized from water and characterized by X-ray diffraction. Interestingly, the crystal structure shows two tautomers of P packed in a Watson–Crick fashion that cocrystallized in a 1:1 ratio.
Syntheses and crystal structures of [IrIII{C(CHCO2Et)(dppm)2-κ4
P,C,C′,P′}ClH]Cl·2.75CH2Cl2 and its derivatives, [IrIII{C(CHCO2Et)(dppm)2-κ4
P,C,C′,P′}(CH2CO2Et)Cl]Cl·CH3OH·0.5H2O, [IrIII{C(CHCO2Et)(dppm)2-κ4
P,C,C′,P′}Cl2]Cl·CH3OH·2H2O and [IrIII{C(CHCO2Et)(dppm)2-κ4
P,C,C′,P′}(CH2CO2Et)(CO)]Cl2·2CH2Cl2·1.5H2O
Authors: Schlapp-Hackl Inge , Falschlunger Christoph , Zauner Kathrin , Schuh Walter , Kopacka Holger , Wurst Klaus , Peringer Paul
Published: December 2018

The common feature of the four iridium(III) salt complexes, (bis{[(diphenylphosphanyl)methyl]diphenylphosphanylidene}(ethoxyoxoethanylidene)methane-κ4
P,C,C′,P′)chloridohydridoiridium(III) chloride methylene chloride 2.75-solvate (4), (bis{[(diphenylphosphanyl)methyl]diphenylphosphanylidene}(ethoxyoxoethanylidene)methane-κ4
P,C,C′,P′)chlorido(ethoxyoxoethanido)iridium(III) chloride–methanol–water (1/1/0.5) (5), (bis{[(diphenylphosphanyl)methyl]diphenylphosphanylidene}(ethoxyoxoethanylidene)methane-κ4
P,C,C′,P′)dichloridoiridium(III) chloride–methanol–water (1/1/2) (6) and (bis{[(diphenylphosphanyl)methyl]diphenylphosphanylidene}(ethoxyoxoethanylidene)methane-κ4
P,C,C′,P′)carbonyl(ethoxyoxoethanide)iridium(III) dichloride–methylene chloride–water (1/2/1.5) (7) or in terms of their formulae [Ir(C55H50O2P4)ClH]Cl·2.75CH2Cl2 (4), [Ir(C4H7O2)(C55H50O2P4)Cl]Cl·CH3OH·0.5H2O (5), [Ir(C55H50O2P4)Cl2]Cl·CH3OH·2H2O (6) and [Ir(C4H7O2)(C55H50O2P4)(CO)]Cl2·2CH2Cl2·1.5H2O (7) is a central IrIII atom coordinated in a distorted octahedral fashion by a PCCP ligand system and two additional residues, such as chlorides, a hydride, a carbonyl or an alkyl unit. Thereby, the PCP pincer ligand system and the residue trans to the carbodiphosphorane (CDP) C atom surround the iridium(III) transition metal in the equatorial plane under the formation of two five-membered dissimilar chelate rings [C—CCDP—P (4, 5, 6 and 7) for the first ring: 120.2 (3), 121.9 (5), 111.2 (3) and 121.7 (2) °; for the second ring: 112.1 (3), 113.5 (5), 120.5 (3) and 108.3 (2)°]. A cyclopropane-like heterocycle is positioned approximately orthogonal (84.21–88.85°) to the equatorial plane, including an alkylidene bridge connecting the IrIII atom and the coordinating CDP atom of the PCP subunit. In general, the neutral PCCP ligand system coordinates the metal in a tetradentate way via three Lewis acid/base bonds and by an alkylidene unit presenting strengthened interactions. In all the crystal structures, (disordered) solvent molecules are present in the voids of the packed molecules that interact with the positively charged complex and its chloride counter-ion(s) through weak hydrogen bonding.
Bis[S-octyl 3-(4-methoxybenzylidene)dithiocarbazato-κ2
N
3,S]nickel(II)
Authors: Begum Khurshida , Zangrando Ennio , Begum M. Sabina , Sheikh Md. Chanmiya , Miyatake Ryuta
Published: December 2018

The nickel(II) cation of the title complex, [Ni(C17H25N2OS2)2], is located on a crystallographic inversion centre. It has a square-planar coordination geometry, with a trans configuration of the N,S-chelating ligands, as imposed by the crystal symmetry.
Responding to FASD: what social and community service professionals do in the absence of diagnostic services and practice standards
Authors: Bagley Kerryn
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the experiences and practices of social and community service professionals working with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) or suspected FASD in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

The research examined professionals’ empirical experience of working with FASD or suspected FASD. In total, 21 participants working in practice settings relevant to dual diagnosis were interviewed, with each interview being of 1–2 h duration. The interview data were transcribed and coded using the constant-comparative method in order to derive themes.

Findings

Participants identified a number of barriers to understanding or working with FASD: the limited knowledge of FASD and the absence of FASD from training contexts, difficulty obtaining institutional support and the challenge of working without a diagnosis. Participants also articulated a range of strategies for approaching FASD within the identified barriers of their practice contexts, specifically: working with alternative diagnoses, focussing on adjusting expectations, adopting a strengths-based approach, actively advocating for clients when working with other sectors and systems and focussing on prevention education.

Originality/value

This research expands the knowledge base for social and community service practice in contexts where FASD maybe a factor contributing to poor health and well-being outcomes for clients. It clarifies the challenges that professionals face when encountering FASD or suspected FASD in their work, reveals key gaps in individual and systemic knowledge about FASD and provides new insight into what professionals do to address these challenges. It also adds to the body of research concerning FASD in the Australasian context more broadly.
Exploring behavioural factors for information sharing in BIM projects in the Malaysian construction industry
Authors: Che Ibrahim Che Khairil Izam , Mohamad Sabri Norsabrina Aine , Belayutham Sheila , Mahamadu Abdul
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Despite the wave of enthusiasm for building information modelling (BIM) as a platform for information sharing, issues from the context of information-sharing behaviours still exist. The purpose of this paper is to explore the behavioural factors for successful information sharing in BIM projects in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review, a questionnaire was designed containing seven identified behavioural factors and their sub-elements. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey with 42 experienced BIM practitioners. In addition to that qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine construction practitioners in the Malaysian construction industry. Initially, a descriptive statistical analysis was adopted, followed by multivariate analysis that was employed to examine the possible effect of demographic attributes (i.e. nature of organisation and work experience in BIM) on the behavioural factors.

Findings

The analytical results indicated that communication, accountability and trust were the top three behavioural factors influencing successful information sharing. Additionally, the majority of the behavioural factors on information sharing were found to be not significantly dependent on both, the nature of organisations and the level of BIM experiences. Overall, the success of information sharing in the digital environment (i.e. BIM) depends on organisational behaviour supported by the collaborative constructs.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the fact that BIM implementation in Malaysia is still in its infancy, this study was limited to local context with small-scale BIM practitioners. Therefore, their views may not represent all BIM-related stakeholders in the industry.

Practical implications

The success of information sharing in BIM projects is a result of a combination of various factors, and this study provides construction practitioners with information on the behavioural factors, which could assist them in creating collective and collaborative information sharing in a digital environment.

Originality/value

Despite the fact that this study is country specific, the paper presents a new perspective on the behavioural context of information sharing in BIM projects. The findings further extend the current BIM literature by providing an insight into what it takes for project teams to reinforce their information sharing in the Malaysian digital environment through improvements in behaviours.
Numerical study on crack propagation in linear elastic multiphase composite materials using phase field method
Authors: Li Xiang , Chu Dongyang , Gao Yue , Liu Zhanli
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an efficient numerical method to study the complex crack initiation and propagation in linear elastic multiphase composites.

Design/methodology/approach

A phase field method is developed to study the complex fracture behavior in multiphase composites. A damage threshold is introduced for referring crack initiation in the proposed method. The damage threshold is assigned as a material property so that different composite components possess different thresholds. In this manner, smooth transition from crack initiation to propagation is revealed.

Findings

The proposed method is used to investigate complex crack evolution in mesoscale cementitious composite, which consists of aggregates, matrix and void pores. From a mesoscale point of view, it is found that cracks prefer to evolve within the matrix phase. As a crack encounters an aggregate, it tends to bypass the aggregate and evolve along the interface. Cracks tend to avoid to penetrate through aggregates. Also, cracks tend to be attracted by void pores. From a mesoscale point of view, it is revealed that the elastic modulus and strength of concrete models are closely related to porosity.

Originality/value

A criterion with a damage threshold is introduced to the proposed method. The criterions with and without a damage threshold are compared with each other in details. The proposed method is proven to be a useful tool to study mechanical behavior and crack evolution of brittle multiphase composites.
A scientometric analysis of BIM studies in facilities management
Authors: Hilal Mustafa , Maqsood Tayyab , Abdekhodaee Amir
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to statistically classify and categorize Building Information Modelling (BIM)-Facility Management (FM) publications in order to extract useful information related to the adoption and use of BIM in FM.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a quantitative approach using science mapping techniques to examine BIM-FM publications using Web of Science (WOS) database for the period between 2000 and April 2018.

Findings

The findings guide the researchers who are interested in the BIM-FM model by providing visual maps analysis of that area in a simple, easy and readable way. In addition, they help the researchers to understand which authors and journals to consider when dealing with BIM-FM topics. Finally, knowledge gaps in this domain can be identified easily using the findings of the Scientometric analysis.

Research limitations/implications

First, the results of the analysis depend on the database that has been extracted from WOS, and therefore it carries any of WOS’s limitations in terms of how much it covers the published studies. Another limitation is that the study is based on exploration of “what” questions, rather than “how” and “why”. These limitations represent the hot topics to be addressed in future research.

Originality/value

This research is the first to conduct the Scientometric Analysis of BIM-FM topics, in which 68 top-ranked publications were systematically examined using a Science Mapping method through VOSviewer software.
Cross-cultural application of a practice-oriented acquiescence measure
Authors: Krautz Carolin , Hoffmann Stefan
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Extant research shows that acquiescence response style (ARS) is culture-bound and may bias the results of comparative cross-cultural studies. Conventional measures of ARS are difficult to apply in practice. To overcome this limitation, the purpose of this paper is to propose an alternative, practice-oriented measure, namely, pARS. The authors apply Hofstede’s cultural dimensions (Hofstedeet al., 2010) to test whether pARS is culture-bound. The cross-cultural study provides a high level of cross-cultural generalisability due to the extensive number of surveyed countries (n=30) and subjects (n=236.089). The authors run multi-level analysis to identify within- and between-country-level predictors.

Design/methodology/approach

On the individual level, the authors use data of a large-scale cross-cultural study, including 236.089 consumers from 30 countries worldwide. The authors apply several methods to test for the culture-boundness of pARS. First, they apply correlation analysis to replicate existing cross-cultural results and to ensure nomological validity. Second, applying ordinary least square regression, the authors simultaneously test the six Hofstede cultural dimensions (Hofstede et al., 2010) and investigate interactions between the dimensions. Finally, they use multi-level analysis to confirm the stability of culture-bound results, controlling for individual- and country-level variability.

Findings

The paper introduces an alternative measure for acquiescence (pARS), which is particularly suitable for shorter questionnaires. A large-scale consumer study with 236.089 respondents in 30 countries supports the culture-bound validity of pARS. The authors confirm construct validity and the nomological network of pARS. Contrasting existing studies, multi-level analysis demonstrates that a high level of power distance majorly leads to ARS. Therefore, cross-cultural researchers need to control for ARS in countries high in power distance, especially when paired with high uncertainty avoidance.

Originality/value

A large-scale consumer study with 236.089 respondents from 30 countries shows that respondents from various countries differ significantly in their level of acquiescence. The study confirms that power distance is the most relevant cultural dimension to explain these differences. Although ARS may bias the results of comparative cross-cultural studies, it is rarely controlled by market research studies outside the academic realm. The present work proposes and establishes the validity of a practice-oriented measure of acquiescence, namely, pARS. pARS is particularly suitable for shorter questionnaires. In contrast to prior approaches, applying pARS does not require adding non-substantive items to the questionnaire.
Becoming a scholar by publication – PhD students citing in interdisciplinary argumentation
Authors: Gullbekk Eystein , Byström Katriina
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse scholarly subjectivity in the context of citation practices in interdisciplinary PhD research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an analysis of longitudinal series of qualitative interviews with PhD students who write scholarly articles as dissertation components. Conceptualizations of subjectivity within practice theories form the basis for the analysis.

Findings

Scholarly argumentation entails a rhetorical paradox of “bringing something new” to the communication while at the same time “establishing a common ground” with an audience. By enacting this paradox through citing in an emerging interdisciplinary setting, the informants negotiate subject positions in different modes of identification across the involved disciplines. In an emerging interdisciplinary field, the articulation of scholarly subjectivity is a joint open-ended achievement demanding knowledgeability in multiple disciplinary understandings and conducts. However, identifications that are expressible within the informants’ local site, i.e. interactions with supervisors, other seniors and peers, are not always expressible when negotiating subject positions with journals.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to research on citation practices in emerging interdisciplinary fields. By linking the enactment of citing in scholarly writing to the negotiation of subject positions, the paper provides new insights about the complexities involved in becoming a scholar.
Financing decisions of migrant family businesses: the case of a Ghanaian-owned shop in Kent
Authors: Boateng Bernard , Silva Mauricio , Seaman Claire
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how a Ghanaian migrant family business in Kent makes financial decisions and measures business growth within the framework of Social Network theory and focussing on influences such as family, cultural and social factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study: migrant Ghanaian family business owner in Kent, first generation who migrated to the UK after the year 2000. The business is a small and medium enterprise and running the business as a family.

Findings

The narrative highlights important aspects of cultural and social factors that are not usually considered in credit analysis or applications for a relationship with a mainstream financial services institution. It is also indicated that family and personal attributes and culture had the most social capital for the shop owner to use or explore in taking her financial decisions. The discussions provide a basic framework for future research.

Originality/value

There is a gap in the research of Ghanaian migrant family businesses in the UK, in particular of their financial decision making process.
London’s local Olympic legacy
Authors: Duignan Michael B.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

London’s Candidature bid projected an irresistible legacy of lasting benefits for host communities and small businesses. Yet, local post-Games perspectives paint a contrasted picture – one of becoming displaced. This paper aims to draw on event legacy, specifically in relation to rising rents, threats to small business sustainability and impact on place development by empirically examining London’s localembryonic legaciesforming across one ex-hosting Olympic community: Central Greenwich.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 43 interviews with local businesses (specifically, small retailers and hospitality businesses), local authorities, London-centric and national project actors and policymakers underpin analysis, supported by official London 2012 archival, documentary and media reports, were conducted to add texture and triangulate primary and secondary data sources.

Findings

Juxtaposing ex ante projections vs emerging ex post realities, this paper reveals a local legacy of small business failure fuelled by rising commercial rents and a wider indifference for protecting diverse urban high streets. Embroiled in a struggle to survive, and barely recognised as a key stakeholder and contributor to legacy, small businesses have and continue to become succeeded by a new business demographic in town: monochromatic global and national chains. Typifying the pervasive shift toward clone town spaces, this article argues that corporate colonisation displaces independent businesses, serves to homogenise town centres, dilute place-based cultural offer and simultaneously stunts access to a positive local development legacy. This paper argues that such processes lead to the production of urban blandscapes that may hamper destination competitiveness.

Originality/value

Examining event legacy, specifically local legacies forming across ex-host Olympic communities, is a latent, under-researched but vital and critical aspect of scholarship. Most event legacy analysis focuses on longer-term issues for residents, yet little research focuses on both local placed-based development challenges and small business sustainability and survival post-Games. More specifically, little research examines the potential relationship between event-led gentrification, associated rising rents and aforementioned clone town problematic. Revealing and amplifying the idiosyncratic local challenges generated through an in-depth empirically driven triangulation of key local business, policy, governmental and non-governmental perspectives, is a central contribution of this article missing from extant literatures. This paper considers different ways those responsible for event legacy, place managers and developers can combat such aforementioned post-Games challenges.
Cross-country differences in innovative entrepreneurial activity
Authors: Raza Ali , Muffatto Moreno , Saeed Saadat
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between entrepreneurial cognition and innovative entrepreneurial activity (IEA) across countries using an institutional perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper tests theoretical model using data collected by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, the Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness study and the Index of Economic Freedom (IEF). A multi-level analysis is performed based on set of 1,004,620 observations from 49 countries spanning 13 years (2001–2013).

Findings

The results suggest that in terms of formal regulations; the relationship between entrepreneurial cognitions and IEA becomes stronger when there is an increase in intellectual property right and business freedom regulations in a country. On the other hand, in terms of informal institutions the relationship between entrepreneurial cognitions and IEA becomes stronger when the level of institutional collectivism and uncertainty decreases and performance orientation increases.

Originality/value

The study indicates that entrepreneurship by innovation increases when the individuals possess high level of entrepreneurial cognition under suitable institutional conditions (e.g. intellectual property right, business freedom, institutional collectivism, uncertainty avoidance and performance orientation).
Students’ knowledge and attitudes towards GMOs and nanotechnology
Authors: Hekmat Sharareh , Dawson Lindsay Nicole
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate knowledge and attitudes toward genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and nanotechnology among the Canadian youth demographic. The primary objective of this pilot study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes toward GMOs and nanotechnology among first year university students. The secondary objective was to compare knowledge and attitudes toward GMOs and nanotechnology among students studying nutrition as to students who do not study nutrition.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was developed by researchers and student volunteers. This questionnaire was distributed to first year university classes at Western University. The multiple-choice questions were analyzed using SAS, and open-ended questions were analyzed using theme analysis.

Findings

GMO knowledge was strong for both populations, however questions related to the percentage of GM foods grown in Canada indicated nutrition students had a stronger GMO knowledge (p = 0.031). Open-ended questions revealed overall attitudes toward GMOs were either unsure or negative between both populations. Nutrition students had a more positive attitude toward nanotechnology, and a slightly stronger knowledge regarding applications of nanotechnology (p = 0.006). Theme analysis indicated that participants enrolled in nutritional studies were less apprehensive toward GMOs. No differences were indicated in open-ended questions related to nanotechnology between both groups, which may be due to the lack of awareness related to the novelty of the technology.

Research limitations/implications

Without a validated questionnaire, this reduces the reliability of the results from the questionnaire. The questionnaire was carefully designed by combining previous studies questionnaires, as well as producing questions from related literature, which increases the reliability and accuracy of the questionnaire. In addition, the questionnaires underwent several rounds of pre-piloting as well as multiple revisions with current health-care professions to increase the reliability and accuracy of the questionnaire.

Practical implications

This study will assist in understanding the current knowledge of GMOs and nanotechnology among first year university students. This will then allow us to understand if knowledge has a factor in altering students’ attitudes toward these technologies. If students do not have a strong knowledge toward these technologies, then this may lead to the potential implementation of education regarding GMOs and nanotechnology. As these technologies are emerging and being used in everyday food items, individuals should be aware of the implications, as well as the benefits of these technologies.

Originality/value

This is the first study regarding this topic in Canada. Results from this study provide baseline data that may be used to conduct future research.
Lessons learned: intentional implementation of second makerspaces
Authors: Moorefield-Lang Heather
Published: December 2018

Purpose

What happens when a librarian outgrows their maker learning location or transfers to a new library? The purpose of this study is to explore the planning process for second and/or new library makerspaces. Is the planning more intentional? Is there more focus on how the makerspace should be put together for the community served? Is the community further involved? This study will explore those questions and more.

Design/methodology/approach

Using content analysis, the perspectives of practicing librarians in the achievement of subsequent makerspaces are examined. Data include librarian interviews, an analysis using NVivo 11 through the lens of design thinking, and a final review using member checking by each research participant.

Findings

Makerspaces continue to grow in popularity in school and public/community libraries. What is unexplored is the moving from a first makerspace to the implementation of a second and/or new maker learning location. More intentional planning is involved. The community served by the library is further engaged in the planning. Study results illustrate the value that community insight and intentional planning play in the design and implementation of makerspaces.

Originality/value

Makerspaces in libraries continue to grow in popularity; in turn, the body of peer-reviewed, scholarly publications also continues to grow. Librarians in the field are beginning to move from their first to second makerspaces. This study investigates those perspectives. Much can be gained from the experiences of those who have implemented their second or third makerspace.