bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alpha/beta power decreases track the fidelity of stimulus-specific information
Authors: Griffiths Benjamin J. , Mayhew Stephen D. , Mullinger Karen J. , Jorge João , Charest Ian , Wimber Maria , Hanslmayr Simon
Published: May 2019

Massed synchronised neuronal firing is detrimental to information processing. When networks of task-irrelevant neurons fire in unison, they mask the signal generated by task-critical neurons. On a macroscopic level, mass synchronisation of these neurons can contribute to the ubiquitous alpha/beta (8-30Hz) oscillations. Reductions in the amplitude of these oscillations, therefore, may reflect a boost in the processing of high-fidelity information within the cortex. Here, we test this hypothesis. Twenty-one participants completed an associative memory task while undergoing simultaneous EEG-fMRI recordings. Using representational similarity analysis, we quantified the amount of stimulus-specific information represented within the BOLD signal on every trial. When correlating this metric with concurrently-recorded alpha/beta power, we found a significant negative correlation which indicated that as alpha/beta power decreased, our metric of stimulus-specific information increased. This effect generalised across cognitive tasks, as the negative relationship could be observed during visual perception and episodic memory retrieval. Further analysis revealed that this effect could be better explained by alpha/beta power decreases providing favourable conditions for information processing, rather than directly representing stimulus-specific information. Together, these results indicate that alpha/beta power decreases parametrically track the fidelity of both externally-presented and internally-generated stimulus-specific information represented within the cortex.
Similarities between Borderline Personality Disorder and Post traumatic Stress Disorder: evidence from Resting-State Meta-Analysis
Authors: Amad Ali , Radua Joaquim , Vaiva Guillaume , Williams SCR , Fovet Thomas
Published: May 2019

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common psychiatric disorders. The nature of the relationship between BPD and PTSD remains controversial, but it has been suggested that these disorders should brought closer because of their many similarities. We thus performed a quantitative meta-analysis of resting-state functional imaging to assess similarities in the brain activation across BPD and PTSD diagnostic groups.

Overlap analyses revealed decreased activation in the left and right precuneus of both BPD and PTSD groups when compared to control subjects. BPD showed significant increased, but PTSD showed decreased activation, relative to control subjects, in the anterior cingulate/paracingulate gyri and in the left superior frontal gyrus. Complementary overlap analyses on a subgroup of studies with similar sex and age distribution partially confirmed the main results as the same pattern of functional activation in the anterior cingulate and in the left superior frontal gyrus were found.

Our findings are in agreement with the hypothesis that BPD and PTSD share common neuropathological pathways.
Disentangling neuronal inhibition and inhibitory pathways in the lateral habenula
Authors: Webster Jack F. , Vroman Rozan , Balueva Kira , Wulff Peer , Sakata Shuzo , Wozny Christian
Published: May 2019

The lateral habenula (LHb) is hyperactive in depression, and thus potentiating inhibition of this structure makes an interesting target for future antidepressant therapies. However, the circuit mechanisms mediating inhibitory signalling within the LHb are not well-known. We addressed this issue by studying LHb neurons expressing either parvalbumin (PV), neuron-derived neurotrophic factor (Ndnf) or somatostatin (SOM), three markers of particular sub-classes of neocortical inhibitory neurons. While we report that Ndnf is not representative of any particular sub-population of LHb neuron, we find that both PV and SOM are expressed by physiologically distinct sub-classes. Furthermore, we describe multiple sources of inhibitory input to the LHb arising from both local PV-positive neurons, and from PV-positive neurons in the medial dorsal thalamic nucleus, and from SOM-positive neurons in the ventral pallidum. These findings hence provide new insight into inhibitory control within the LHb, and highlight that this structure is more neuronally diverse than previously thought.

The lateral habenula receives inhibitory input from three distinct sources: from local PV-positive neurons, from PV-positive neurons in the medial dorsal thalamic nucleus (MDT); and from SOM-positive neurons in the ventral pallidum (VP).

Significance statement

The circuitry by which inhibitory signalling is processed within the lateral habenula is currently not well understood; yet this is an important topic as inhibition of the lateral habenula has been shown to have antidepressant efficacy. We therefore investigated inhibitory signalling mechanisms within the lateral habenula by studying input neurons expressing markers commonly associated with inhibitory identity. We identity sources of inhibitory input from both local neurons, and arising from neurons in the medial dorsal thalamic nucleus and ventral pallidum.

Contributions

J.F.W. performed the experiments. R.V. contributed to experiments. J.F.W. analysed the data. K.B. and P.W. designed and performed the in situ hybridisation experiments. C.W. designed and supervised the study, and helped J.F.W write the manuscript. R.V. and S.S. contributed to the manuscript and discussions.
Monocytes from Older Adults Maintain Capacity for Metabolic Compensation during Glucose Deprivation and Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation
Authors: Yarbro Johnathan R. , Pence Brandt D.
Published: May 2019

Inflammaging is the chronic low-grade inflammation that occurs with age that contributes to the pathology of age-related diseases. Monocytes are innate immune cells that become dysregulated with age and which can contribute to inflammaging. Metabolism plays a key role in determining immune cell functions, with anti-inflammatory cells primarily relying on fatty acid oxidation and pro-inflammatory cells primarily relying on glycolysis. It was recently shown that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytes can compensate for a lack of glucose by utilizing fatty acid oxidation. Given that mitochondrial function decreases with age, we hypothesized that monocytes taken from aged individuals would have an impaired ability to upregulate oxidative metabolism along with impaired effector functions. Aging did not impair LPS-induced oxygen consumption rate during glucose deprivation as measured on a Seahorse XFp system. Additionally, aged monocytes maintained inflammatory gene expression responses and phagocytic capacity during LPS stimulation in the absence of glucose. In conclusion, aged monocytes maintain effector and metabolic functions during glucose deprivation, at least in an ex vivo context.
Regulation of tau’s proline rich region by its N-terminal domain
Authors: McKibben Kristen , Rhoades Elizabeth
Published: May 2019

Tau is an intrinsically disordered, microtubule-associated protein with a role in regulating microtubule dynamics. Despite intensive research, the molecular mechanisms of taumediated microtubule polymerization are poorly understood. Here we use single molecule fluorescence to investigate the role of tau’s N-terminal domain (NTD) and proline rich region (PRR) in regulating interactions of tau with soluble tubulin. Both full-length tau isoforms and truncated variants are assayed for their ability to bind soluble tubulin and stimulate microtubule polymerization. We describe a novel role for tau’s PRR as an independent tubulin-binding domain with polymerization capacity. In contrast to the relatively weak tubulin interactions distributed throughout the microtubule binding repeats (MTBR), resulting in heterogeneous tau:tubulin complexes, the PRR binds tubulin tightly and stoichiometrically. Moreover, we demonstrate that interactions between the PRR and MTBR are reduced by the NTD through a conserved conformational ensemble. Based on our data, we propose that tau’s PRR can serve as a core tubulin-binding domain, while the MTBR enhances polymerization capacity by increasing the local tubulin concentration. The NTD negatively regulates tubulin-binding interactions of both of these domains. This study draws attention to the central role of the PRR in tau function, as well as providing mechanistic insight into tau-mediated polymerization of tubulin.

Significance Statement

Tau is an intrinsically disordered, microtubule associated protein linked to a number of neurodegenerative disorders. Here we identify tau’s proline rich region as having autonomous tubulin binding and polymerization capacity, which is enhanced by the flanking microtubule binding repeats. Moreover, we demonstrate that tau’s N-terminal domain negatively regulates both binding and polymerization. We propose a novel model for tau-mediated polymerization whereby the proline rich region serves as a core tubulin-binding domain, while the microtubule binding repeats increase the local concentration. Our work draws attention to the importance of the proline rich region and N-terminal domain in tau function, and highlights the proline rich region as a putative target for the development of therapeutics.
Expression of genes in the16p11.2locus during human fetal cortical neurogenesis
Authors: Morson Sarah , Yang Yifei , Price David J. , Pratt Thomas
Published: May 2019

The 593 kbp16p11.2copy number variation (CNV) affects the gene dosage of 29 protein coding genes, with heterozygous16p11.2microduplication or microdeletion implicated in about 1% of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cases. The16p11.2CNV is frequently associated with macrocephaly or microcephaly indicating early defects of neurogenesis may contribute to subsequent ASD symptoms, but it is unknown which16p11.2transcripts are expressed in progenitors and whose levels are likely, therefore, to influence neurogenesis. Analysis of human fetal gene expression data revealed that of all the16p11.2transcripts only two,ALDOAandKIF22, are significantly enriched in progenitors. To investigate the role ofALDOAandKIF22in human cerebral cortex development we used immunohistochemical staining to describe their expression in late first and early second trimester human cerebral cortex. KIF22 protein is restricted to proliferating cells with its levels increasing during the cell cycle and peaking at mitosis. ALDOA protein is expressed in all cell types and does not vary with cell-cycle phase. Our expression analysis suggests the hypothesis that the simultaneous changes in KIF22 and ALDOA dosage in cortical progenitors causes defects in neurogenesis that may contribute to ASD in16p11.2CNV patients.
Effect of Thrombospondin-4 on Pro-inflammatory Phenotype Differentiation and Apoptosis in Macrophages
Authors: Rahman Mohammed Tanjimur , Muppala Santoshi , Wu Jiahui , Krukovets Irene , Solovjev Dmitry , Verbovetskiy Dmitriy , Plow Edward F. , Stenina-Adognravi Olga
Published: May 2019

Thrombospondin-4 (TSP4) attracted a lot of attention recently as a result of new functions identified for this matricellular protein in cardiovascular, muscular, and nervous systems. We have previously reported that TSP4 promotes local vascular inflammation in mouse atherosclerosis model. A common variant of TSP4, P387-TSP4, was associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk in human population studies. In a mouse atherosclerosis model, TSP4 had profound effect on accumulation of macrophages in lesions, which prompted us to examine its effects on macrophages, more in detail in this report.

We examined the effects of A387-TSP-4 and P387-TSP-4 on mouse macrophages in cell culture andin vivoin the model of LPS-induced peritonitis. In tissues and in cell culture, TSP4 expression was associated with inflammation: TSP4 expression was upregulated in peritoneal tissues in LPS-induced peritonitis, and pro-inflammatory signals, INFγ, GM-CSF, and LPS, induced TSP4 expression in macrophagesin vivoand in cell culture. Deficiency in TSP-4 in macrophages fromThbs4−/−mice reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory macrophage markers, suggesting that TSP-4 facilitates macrophage differentiation into pro-inflammatory phenotype. Expression of TSP4, especially more active P387-TSP4, was associated with higher cellular apoptosis. Cultured macrophages displayed increased adhesion to TSP4 and reduced migration in presence of TSP4, and these responses were further increased with P387 variant.

We concluded that TSP4 expression in tissue macrophages and in cultured macrophages increases their accumulation in tissues during the acute inflammatory process and supports macrophage differentiation into a pro-inflammatory phenotype. In a model of acute inflammation, TSP4 supports pro-inflammatory macrophage apoptosis, a response that is closely related to their pro-inflammatory activity and release of pro-inflammatory signals. P387-TSP4 was found to be more active form of TSP4 in all examined functions.
Bubble Trouble: Conquering Microbubble Limitations in Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging by Nature-Inspired Ultrastable Echogenic Nanobubbles
Authors: de Leon Al , Perera Reshani , Hernandez Christopher , Cooley Michaela , Jung Olive , Jeganathan Selva , Abenojar Eric , Fishbein Grace , Sojahrood Amin Jafari , Emerson Corey C. , Stewart Phoebe L. , Kolios Michael C. , Exner Agata A.
Published: May 2019

Advancement of ultrasound molecular imaging applications requires not only a reduction in size of the ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) but also a significant improvement in the in vivo stability of the shell-stabilized gas bubble. The transition from first generation to second generation UCAs was marked by an advancement in stability as air was replaced by a hydrophobic gas, such as perfluoropropane and sulfur hexafluoride. Further improvement can be realized by focusing on how well the UCAs shell can retain the encapsulated gas under extreme mechanical deformations. Here we report the next generation of UCAs for which we engineered the shell structure to impart much better stability under repeated prolonged oscillation due to ultrasound, and large changes in shear and turbulence as it circulates within the body. By adapting an architecture with two layers of contrasting elastic properties similar to bacterial cell envelopes, our ultrastable nanobubbles (NBs) withstand continuous in vitro exposure to ultrasound with minimal signal decay and have a significant delay on the onset of in vivo signal decay in kidney, liver, and tumor. Development of ultrastable NBs can potentially expand the role of ultrasound in molecular imaging, theranostics, and drug delivery.
MultiEditR: An easy validation method for detecting and quantifying RNA editing from Sanger sequencing
Authors: Kluesner Mitchell , Arnold Annette , Lerner Taga , Tasakis Rafail Nikolaos , Wüst Sandra , Binder Marco , Moriarity Branden S. , Pecori Riccardo
Published: May 2019

RNA editing is the base change that results from RNA deamination by two predominant classes of deaminases; the APOBEC family and the ADAR family. Respectively, deamination of nucleobases by these enzymes are responsible for endogenous editing of cytosine to uracil (C-to-U) and adenosine to inosine (A-to-I). RNA editing is known to play an essential role both in maintaining normal cellular function, as well as altered cellular physiology during oncogenesis and tumour progression. Analysis of RNA editing in these important processes, largely relies on RNA-seq technology for the detection and quantification of RNA editing sites. Despite the power of these technologies, multiple sources of error in detecting and measuring base editing still exist, therefore additional validation and quantification of editing through Sanger sequencing is still required for confirmation of editing. Depending on the number of RNA editing sites that are of interest, this validation step can be both expensive and time-consuming. To address this need we developed the tool MultiEditR which provides a simple, and cost-effective method of detecting and quantifying RNA editing form Sanger sequencing. We expect that MultiEditR will foster further discoveries in this rapidly expanding field.
An atlas of the catalytically active liver and spleen kinases in chicken identified by chemoproteomics
Authors: Nanduri Bindu , Gresham Cathy R. , Hui Winnie W. , Ou Mark , Bailey Richard H. , Edelmann Mariola J.
Published: May 2019

Chicken is the first agricultural animal to have a sequenced genome, but current kinase annotations of Gallus gallus are overwhelmingly limited to the predictions generated based on homology or isolated studies focused on specific kinases. Our approach used chemical probes consisting of ATP and ADP derivatives binding to specific lysine residues within the ATP-binding pocket of kinases. Collectively, we identified 188 chicken kinases and corresponding 267 peptides labeled with the ATP and ADP acyl derivatives in chicken spleen and liver. The kinases identified here are publicly available through the database, Chickspress genome browser (http://geneatlas.arl.arizona.edu/cgi-bin/GeneAtlas/chickspress_genes.cgii). Analysis of putative functions of these chicken kinases indicates that kinases identified in this study might regulate hematological system development, necrosis, apoptosis, epithelial neoplasm, and other processes. The identified tissue-specific expression atlas of active chicken kinases along with the ATP binding sites of kinases provide the basis for the development of specific drug targets for multiple chicken diseases as well as starting point for inhibitor selectivity studies in this agriculturally important species. Moreover, this study will support future studies focused on identifying the role of these kinases in chicken growth, metabolism, and disease.
Environmental, social, management and health factors associated with within- and between-individual variability in fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in zoo-housed Asian and African elephants
Authors: Brown Janine L. , Bray Jessica D. , Carlstead Kathy , Dickey David , Farin Charlotte , Heugten Kimberly Ange-van
Published: May 2019

Identifying links between environmental, social, management, and health factors as they relate to physiological stress in captive elephants is crucial for the improvement of welfare and husbandry practices in North American zoos. Studies have examined the effects of short-term and chronic elevations in glucocorticoids in small groups of elephants, but few have examined adrenal activity on a large scale. This study evaluated 106 Asian(Elephas maximus)and 131 African(Loxodonta africana)elephants housed at 64 accredited facilities across North America. Fecal samples were collected every other week for 12 months and analyzed for glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations. Risk factors for mean and individual variability (CV) in FGM were subjected to univariate and multivariable analyses using epidemiological methods. Independent variables that included individual traits, social environment, housing and management factors were chosen based on their identification as risk factors in previously published models for the same North American population of elephants. Results indicate that African elephants are more responsive to social stressors than Asians, and that poor joint health is a stress-related welfare problem for Asian, but not African elephants. For both species, higher FGM concentrations were associated with zoos located at more northern latitudes and having free access to indoor/outdoor spaces, whereas spending more time in managed interactions with staff were associated with lower FGM concentrations. Also important for captive management, elephants having diverse enrichment options and belonging to compatible social groups exhibited lower mean and reduced intra-individual variability in FGM. Our findings show that aspects of the zoo environment can be potential sources of stress for captive elephants, and that there are management activities that can facilitate coping and adapting to zoo conditions. Given species differences in factors that affected FGM, targeted, species-specific management approaches likely are needed to ensure good welfare for all elephants.
Pervasive and dynamic transcription initiation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Lu Zhaolian , Lin Zhenguo
Published: May 2019

Transcription initiation is finely regulated to ensure proper expression and function of genes. The regulated transcription initiation in response to various environmental stimuli in a classic model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae has not been systematically investigated. In this study, we generated quantitative maps of transcription start sites (TSSs) at a single-nucleotide resolution for S. cerevisiae grown in nine different conditions using no-amplification nontagging Cap analysis of gene expression (nAnT-iCAGE) sequencing. We mapped ∼1 million well-supported TSSs, suggesting highly pervasive transcription initiation in the compact genome of the budding yeast. The comprehensive TSS maps allowed us to identify core promoters for ∼96% verified protein-coding genes. We corrected misannotation of translation start codon for 122 genes and suggested an alternative start codon for 57 genes. We found that 56% of yeast genes are controlled by multiple core promoters, and alternative core promoter usage by a gene is widespread in response to changing environments. Most core promoter shifts are coupled with altered gene expression, indicating that alternative core promoter usage might play an important role in controlling gene transcriptional activities. Based on their activities in responding to environmental cues, we divided core promoters into constitutive class (55%) and inducible class (45%). The two classes of core promoters display distinctive patterns in transcriptional abundance, chromatin structure, promoter shape, and sequence context. In summary, our study improved the annotation of the yeast genome and demonstrated a much more pervasive and dynamic nature of transcription initiation in yeast than previously recognized.
The capacitated pollution routing problem with pickup and delivery in the last mile
Authors: Tan Yuyang , Deng Lei , Li Longxiao , Yuan Fang
Published: May 2019

Purpose

With the increasing awareness of global warming and the important role of last mile distribution in logistics activities, the purpose of this paper is to build an environmental and effective last mile distribution model considering fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emission, vehicle capacity and two practical delivery service options: home delivery (HD) and pickup site service (PS). This paper calls the problem as the capacitated pollution-routing problem with pickup and delivery (CPRPPD). The goal is to find an optimal route to minimize operational and environmental costs, as well as a set of optimal speeds over each arc, while respecting capacity constraints of vehicles and pickup sites.

Design/methodology/approach

To solve this problem, this research proposes a two-phase heuristic algorithm by combining a hybrid ant colony optimization (HACO) in the first stage and a multiple population genetic algorithm in the second stage. First, the HACO is presented to find the minimal route solution and reduce distribution cost based on optimizing the speed over each arc.

Findings

To verify the proposed CPRPPD model and algorithm, a real-world instance is conducted. Comparing with the scenario including HD service only, the scenario including both HD and PS option is more economical, which indicates that the CPRPPD model is more efficient. Besides, the results of speed optimization are significantly better than before.

Practical implications

The developed CPRPPD model not only minimizes delivery time and reduces the total emission cost, but also helps logistics enterprises to establish a more complete distribution system and increases customer satisfaction. The model and algorithm of this paper provide optimal support for the actual distribution activities of logistics enterprises in low-carbon environment, and also provide reference for the government to formulate energy-saving and emission reduction policies.

Originality/value

This paper provides a great space for the improvement of carbon emissions in the last mile distribution. The results show that the distribution arrangement including HD and PS services in the last mile adopting speed optimization can significantly reduce the carbon emission. Additionally, an integrated real-world instance is applied in this paper to illustrate the validity of the model and the effectiveness of this method.
Marginal, localized and restricted activity
Authors: Drejerska Nina , Bareja-Wawryszuk Ola , Gołębiewski Jarosław
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate marginal, localized and restricted (MLR) activities in pork processing on local food markets in Poland, and identify the value generated for individual links in the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes a case study approach to investigate the enterprises operating as MLRs. Data were collected during direct interviews with entrepreneurs in Siedlce county, in the Mazovian Region in Poland. The methodology of the basic Business Model Canvas (BMC) was applied to distinguish the two models they operate within direct and with an agent.

Findings

The results of the research process led to identification of customer value generated by MLR activities. For example, directness, authenticity and high quality, which are the main features that differentiate MLR from conventional activities.

Research limitations/implications

The case studies selected for the research were typical of their local food system (LFS). However, it can be expected that the processes described herein can also be found in the various different environments of other small and medium enterprises.

Practical implications

The models worked out during the research process fit perfectly into the assumptions of sustainable rural development, and their implementation could be a source of competitive advantages in LFS.

Originality/value

While MLR activities are usually characterized by the legal perspective, less is known about their operation in practice. This is the first academic study in Poland investigating MLR business models. With application of the BMC, this analysis could be used as a tool guide for building similar models on local food markets. Studies of business models for pork processing could provide inspiration for both academics and practitioners dealing in other food sectors.
Comparativein vitrohypoglycemic studies of unripe, ripe and overripe fruit extract ofMusa paradisiaca(Indian banana)
Authors: Bhinge Somnath Devidas , Bhutkar Mangesh , Randive Dheeraj , Wadkar Ganesh , Jadhav Namrata , Jadhav Amruta , Ingalkar Rakesh
Published: May 2019

Purpose

In the Indian system of medicine – Ayurveda,Musa paradisiacahas been mentioned as a remedy for various diseases and ailments. Based on the folkloric use, the purpose of this paper is to verify and compare the hypoglycemic potential of unripe, ripe and overripe fruit extract ofMusa paradisiaca.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypoglycemic activity of fruit extracts has been evaluated using variousin vitromethods, namely, determination of glucose adsorption capacity, glucose uptake in yeast cells, amylolysis kinetics and glucose diffusion.

Findings

The extracts of unripe, ripe and overripe fruits ofMusa paradisiacaadsorbed glucose, and the adsorption of glucose increased remarkably with an increase in glucose concentration. In the amylolysis kinetic experimental model, the rate of glucose diffusion was found to increase with time, and all the extracts of unripe, ripe and overripe fruits ofMusa paradisiacademonstrated significant inhibitory effects on the movement of glucose into external solution across the dialysis membrane as compared to the control. The extracts under study also promoted glucose uptake by the yeast cells in all the five glucose concentrations used in the study.

Practical implications

Here, the authors have verified and compared the hypoglycemic potential ofMusa paradisiaca, its unripe fruit extract was found to show a better activity than ripe and overripe fruit extracts.

Originality/value

Banana, being an all season readily available fruit, is widely consumed due to its ready availability and low cost. It acts as a complete food for even low socio-economic classes of society, owing to its rich nutritional values. Even in a processed and unprocessed manner, it is an important constituent of diet. The research suggests that instead of consuming ripe and overripe fruit, the unripe fruit will help in management of diabetes.
Consumer groups as grassroots social innovation niches
Authors: Signori Silvana , Forno Francesca
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw on the theoretical framework based on grassroots social innovation niches to analyse how and to what extent participation in consumer groups helps to foster food-related sustainability changes (both at individual, niche and potentially regime levels).

Design/methodology/approach

The data have been collected via two online questionnaires: 204 consumer groups (named GAS, from the acronym of Gruppi di Acquisto Solidale) and 1,658 families belonging to the same groups participated in the research.

Findings

The findings reveal that participation in GAS not only makes individuals more responsible towards their consumption choices and lifestyles, but also makes consumers more willing to collaborate with others, more interested in politics (especially local politics) and increases their sense of social effectiveness.

Social implications

The paper shows how collective consumption can represent a way to increase and foster sustainable behaviours, with the potential to modify socio-economic regimes. Interesting implications are advanced on the relationship between consumers and mainly local and small-scale food producers and on local public governments’ policies.

Originality/value

Due to the very high number of respondents, this research represents a unique opportunity to observe a phenomenon which is difficult to study with surveys and questionnaires because of its informal nature. Understanding the mechanisms and processes that give rise and sustain such forms of collective action is highly relevant for finding ways to promote grassroots initiatives and community actions, which are an often neglected area of system-changing innovation towards sustainability.
Multistage topology optimization of induction heating apparatus in time domain electromagnetic field with magnetic nonlinearity
Authors: Masuda Hiroshi , Okamoto Yoshifumi , Wakao Shinji
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to solve efficiently the topology optimization (TO) in time domain problem with magnetic nonlinearity requiring a large-scale finite element mesh. As an actual application model, the proposed method is applied to induction heating apparatus.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve TO with efficient computation time, a multistage topology is proposed. This method can derive the optimum structure by repeatedly reducing the design domain and regenerating the finite element mesh.

Findings

It was clarified that the structure derived from proposed method can be similar to the structure derived from the conventional method, and that the computation time can be made more efficient by parameter tuning of the frequency and volume constraint value. In addition, as a time domain induction heating apparatus problem of an actual application model, an optimum topology considering magnetic nonlinearity was derived from the proposed method.

Originality/value

Whereas the entire design domain must be filled with small triangles in the conventional TO method, the proposed method requires finer mesh division of only the stepwise-reduced design domain. Therefore, the mesh scale is reduced, and there is a possibility that the computation time for TO can be shortened.
Static analyses of laminated rhombic conoids
Authors: Chaubey Abhay Kumar , Kumar Ajay , Chakrabarti Anupam
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a new mathematical model for laminated rhombic conoids with reasonable thickness and depth. The presented model does not require the shear correction factor, as transverse strain variation through the thickness was assumed as a parabolic function. The zero transverse shear stress provision at the bottom and the top of rhombic conoids was enforced in the model. The presented model implemented a C0finite element (FE) model, eliminating C1continuity requirement in the mathematical model. The proposed model was validated with analytical, experimental and other methods derived from the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel mathematical model for laminated composite skew conoidal shells has been proposed. Parabolic transverse shear strain deformation across thickness is considered. FE coding of the proposed novel mathematical model was done. Slope continuity requirement associated with present FE coding has been suitably avoided. No shear correction factor is required in the present formulation.

Findings

This is the first attempt to study the bending response of laminated rhombic conoids with reasonable thickness and depth. After comparisons, the parametric study was performed by varying the skew angles, boundary conditions, thickness ratios and the minimum rise to maximum rise (hl/hh) ratio.

Originality/value

The novelty of the presented model is reflected by the simultaneous addition of twist curvature in the strain field as well as the curvature in the displacement field allowing the accurate analysis of reasonably thick and deep laminated composite rhombic conoids. The behavior of conoids differs from that of usual shells such as cylindrical and spherical due to the conoid’s inherent twist curvature with its complex geometry and different location of maximum deflection.
Multi-objective optimization for repetitive scheduling under uncertainty
Authors: Salama Tarek , Moselhi Osama
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a newly developed multi-objective optimization method for the time, cost and work interruptions for repetitive scheduling while considering uncertainties associated with different input parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of the developed method is based on integrating six modules: uncertainty and defuzzification module using fuzzy set theory, schedule calculations module using the integration of linear scheduling method (LSM) and critical chain project management (CCPM), cost calculations module that considers direct and indirect costs, delay penalty, and work interruptions cost, multi-objective optimization module using Evolver © 7.5.2 as a genetic algorithm (GA) software, module for identifying multiple critical sequences and schedule buffers, and reporting module.

Findings

For duration optimization that utilizes fuzzy inputs without interruptions or adding buffers, duration and cost generated by the developed method are found to be 90 and 99 percent of those reported in the literature, respectively. For cost optimization that utilizes fuzzy inputs without interruptions, project duration generated by the developed method is found to be 93 percent of that reported in the literature after adding buffers. The developed method accelerates the generation of optimum schedules.

Originality/value

Unlike methods reported in the literature, the proposed method is the first multi-objective optimization method that integrates LSM and the CCPM. This method considers uncertainties of productivity rates, quantities and availability of resources while utilizing multi-objective GA function to minimize project duration, cost and work interruptions simultaneously. Schedule buffers are assigned whether optimized schedule allows for interruptions or not. This method considers delay and work interruption penalties, and bonus payments.
Internal and external financing of innovation
Authors: Nylund Petra A. , Arimany-Serrat Nuria , Ferras-Hernandez Xavier , Viardot Eric , Boateng Henry , Brem Alexander
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Successful innovation requires a significant financial commitment. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relation between internal and external financing and the degree of innovation in European firms.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical investigation is carried out using a longitudinal data set including 146 large, quoted, European firms over ten years, resulting in 1,460 firm years.

Findings

The authors find that only firms in the energy sector will be more innovative when they are profitable. For the sectors of basic materials, manufacture and construction, services, financial and property services, and technology and telecommunications, profitability is negatively related to innovation. External financing in the form of debt reduces the focus on innovation in profitable firms.

Research limitations/implications

The authors analyze the findings through the lens of evolutionary economics. The model is not valid for firms in the consumer-goods sector, which indicates a need for adapting the model to each sector. We conclude that the impact of profitability on innovation varies across sectors, with debt financing as a moderating factor.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that analyzes the internal and external financing and the degree of innovation in European firms on a longitudinal basis.
Identification of entrepreneurial education contents using nominal group technique
Authors: Srivastava Sumita , Satsangi Kanika , Satsangee Nandita
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the elements of education and training intervention that facilitate occupational transition intentions of undergraduates and encourage them to opt for entrepreneurial pursuit.

Design/methodology/approach

The study, conducted in India, employed the nominal group technique (NGT) – A systems science technique – which considers that users are experts and they must participate in the decision-making process. The application of NGT involved a workshop format; 15 domain experts participated in the workshop. Throughout the process, a democratic process was followed to avoid individual dominance and premature focusing on a single idea.

Findings

The study obtained 63 responses from experts for effective entrepreneurship education in India. The responses were reduced to seven elements after a few thematic iterations. These elements were then segregated into content (knowledge, skills and attitude) and learning interaction on the basis of experts’ responses. An initial draft of the course based upon the elements identified through NGT is presented in this paper.

Originality/value

This study is unique and different from previous research on entrepreneurship education in several ways: It takes cognizance of multiple stakeholders; It provides a theoretical framework along with empirical groundwork; It suggests curriculum contents that have contextual as well as universal relevance. This paper contributes to the emerging dimensions of entrepreneurship literature, which implies a shift from understanding a well-established Western context of entrepreneurship research to transitional societies from the East.
Modelling return behaviour of global real estate investment trusts equities
Authors: Owusu Junior Peterson , Tweneboah George , Ijasan Kola , Jeyasreedharan Nagaratnam
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to knowledge by investigating the return behaviour of seven global real estate investment trusts (REITs) with respect to the appropriate distributional fit that captures tail and shape characteristics. The study adds to the knowledge of distributional properties of seven global REITs by using the generalised lambda distribution (GLD), which captures fairly well the higher moments of the returns.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an empirical study with GLD through three rival methods of fitting tail and shape properties of seven REIT return data from January 2008 to November 2017. A post-Global Financial Crisis (GFC) (from July 2009) period fits from the same methods are juxtaposed for comparison.

Findings

The maximum likelihood estimates outperform the methods of moment matching and quantile matching in terms of goodness-of-fit in line with extant literature; for the post-GFC period as against the full-sample period. All three methods fit better in full-sample period than post-GFC period for all seven countries for the Region 4 support dynamics. Further, USA and Singapore possess the strongest and stronger infinite supports for both time regimes.

Research limitations/implications

The REITs markets, however, developed, are of wide varied sizes. This makes comparison less than ideal. This is mitigated by a univariate analysis rather than multivariate one.

Practical implications

This paper is a reminder of the inadequacy of the normal distribution, as well as the mean, variance, skewness and kurtosis measures, in describing distributions of asset returns. Investors and policymakers may look at the location and scale of GLD for decision-making about REITs.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work lies with the data used and the detailed analysis and for the post-GFC sample.
The refugee camp management: a general framework and a unifying decision-making model
Authors: Karsu Ozlem , Kara Bahar Y. , Selvi Bayram
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Motivated by the increasing need to provide support to refugees, which remains as a pressing issue in the agenda of many countries, the purpose of this paper is to consider the refugee camp management problem. Although each of these countries may have different procedures shaped by their own culture, rules and regulations, the main structure of the problem can be modeled utilizing a general framework which will apply to different practices.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors consider the issue with an operations research (OR) perspective and provide such a framework utilizing Turkish Red Crescent (TRC)’s field expertise in many regions of the world. In the proposed framework, the overall refugee camp management problem is first categorized in two main phases: the establishment phase, which consists of one-time decisions like infrastructure design and the administration phase, which focuses on routine decisions that are taken on a periodic basis like aid distribution.

Findings

The authors then provide a unifying decision-making model for the establishment phase and detail the administrative phase via subcategories, linking the relevant problems to the OR literature. The proposed framework is general enough to be used by practitioners and to be utilized by the academicians to define new OR problems to the literature.

Originality/value

TRC’s know-how is very broad and extensive. Integrating that know-how with OR perspective, the authors provide a general framework that could be of use to practitioners as well as academicians. The proposed framework will constitute an example for countries of asylum and national or international NGOs to manage the refugee camps efficiently. The authors also highlight main challenges and dynamics of the decision-making problems encountered in different parts of the proposed framework, which may constitute many different problems to the OR literature each of which can open new venues for future research.
Attitude and subjective norm as personal moral obligation mediated predictors of intention to build eco-friendly house
Authors: Sia Surendra Kumar , Jose Alphonsa
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to combine the theory of planned behavior variables with norm activation model to predict the behavioral intention to build eco-friendly houses among adult house owners of Kerala. It was hypothesized that the moral obligation will mediate the relationship of both attitude and subjective norm toward the intention to build eco-friendly houses.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 269 adult house owners from Kerala with the help of structured questionnaires. Attitude toward eco-friendly houses was measured using semantic differential scale, subjective norm was measured using items adapted from Ajzen and Jansson and Dorrepaal, personal norm was measured using 7 items adapted from Jansson and Dorrepaal and behavioral intention to build eco-friendly house was measured using 14-item measures which probed the various characteristics of eco-friendly buildings. Data were analyzed using mediation analysis with the help of PROCESS macro plug-in of IBM SPSS.

Findings

The study revealed that the relationship between subjective norm and behavioral intention to construct eco-friendly houses was fully mediated by personal norm, and the relationship between attitude and behavioral intention was partially mediated by personal norm.

Research limitations/implications

Eco-friendly houses or sustainable architecture is the requirement of the time. Psychology can play a major role in increasing the choice to opt an eco-friendly alternative. The present study tries to develop a green marketing strategy by understanding the influential psychological variables. The study points to the importance of personal moral obligation of the people in the choice of the eco-friendly houses. The study is limited in itself because it failed to consider any situational factors that may be influential in the intention to build an eco-friendly house.

Originality/value

Considering the immediacy and potency of global climate change and the role green architecture can play to reduce the impact of the blow, eco-friendly architecture is inevitable. Many psychological studies have been instrumental in shaping and changing individual behaviors. Considering these facts the present study aims to identify the role of psychological variables in determining the intention to build eco-friendly houses. This study will help in identifying the relevant personal variables that can promote eco-friendly construction.
A practice-based approach to collective decision-making in pricing
Authors: Thrane Sof , Jarmatz Martin , Fetahi Laursen Michael , Kornmaaler Katrine
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze price decision-making through a practice-based approach. The paper investigates the micro-level practices used to arrive at sales price decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a qualitative study approach is used to develop findings abductively. The data are gathered through an in-depth case study at two firms: semi-structured interviews, meeting observations, shadowing and pricing documents.

Findings

This paper finds that pricing is a collective decision-making process involving multiple actors across the organization. The case firms work on solving information, coordination and control problems to arrive at sales prices by enacting interlinked practices. Pricing is therefore neither a structure nor a single decision but a process consisting of multiple micro-level practices that enable firms to make pricing decisions.

Originality/value

This paper develops a practice-based approach to pricing that conceptualize the micro-level practices used to to make pricing decisions in the face of information, coordination and control problems. The paper is interdisciplinary and adds to the accounting literature and the market literature, which have tended to study pricing as a decision made by one decision maker, and not as an organizational process where multiple actors share, evaluate, interpret and coordinate information and decisions.