bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remembrance of things practiced: Fast and slow learning in cortical and subcortical pathways
Authors: Murray James M. , Escola G. Sean
Published: October 2019

The learning of motor skills unfolds over multiple timescales, with rapid initial gains in performance followed by a longer period in which the behavior becomes more refined, habitual, and automatized. While recent lesion and inactivation experiments have provided hints about how various brain areas might contribute to such learning, their precise roles and the neural mechanisms underlying them are not well understood. In this work, we propose neural- and circuit-level mechanisms by which motor cortex, thalamus, and striatum support such learning. In this model, the combination of fast cortical learning and slow subcortical learning gives rise to a covert learning process through which control of behavior is gradually transferred from cortical to subcortical circuits, while protecting learned behaviors that are practiced repeatedly against overwriting by future learning. Together, these results point to a new computational role for thalamus in motor learning, and, more broadly, provide a framework for understanding the neural basis of habit formation and the automatization of behavior through practice.
The challenge of heterogeneous evidence in conservation
Authors: Christie Alec P. , Amano Tatsuya , Martin Philip A. , Petrovan Silviu O. , Shackelford Gorm E. , Simmons Benno I. , Smith Rebecca K. , Williams David R. , Wordley Claire F. R. , Sutherland William J.
Published: October 2019

Conservation efforts to tackle the current biodiversity crisis need to be as efficient and effective as possible. To inform decision-makers of the most effective conservation actions, it is important to identify biases and gaps in the conservation literature to prioritize future evidence generation. We assessed the state of this global literature base using the Conservation Evidence database, a comprehensive collection of quantitative tests of conservation actions (interventions) from the published literature. For amphibians and birds, we investigated the nature of Conservation Evidence spatially and taxonomically, as well as by biome, effectiveness metrics, and study design. Studies were heavily concentrated in Western Europe and North America for birds and particularly amphibians. Studies that used the most robust study designs - Before-After Control-Impact and Randomized Controlled Trials - were also the most geographically restricted. Furthermore, there was no relationship between the number of studies in each 1×1 degree grid cell and the number of species, threatened species or data-deficient species. Taxonomic biases and gaps were apparent for amphibians and birds - some orders were absent from the evidence base and others were poorly represented relative to the proportion of threatened species they contained. Temperate forest and grassland biomes were highly represented, which reinforced observed geographic biases. Various metrics were used to evaluate the effectiveness of a given conservation action, potentially making studies less directly comparable and evidence synthesis more difficult. We also found that the least robust study designs were the most commonly used; studies using robust designs were scarce. Future research should prioritize testing conservation actions on threatened species outside of Western Europe and North America. Standardizing metrics and improving the robustness of study designs used to test conservation actions would also improve the quality of the evidence base for synthesis and decision-making.
Establishment of morphological atlas of Caenorhabditis elegans embryo with cellular resolution using deep-learning-based 4D segmentation
Authors: Cao Jianfeng , Guan Guoye , Wong Ming-Kin , Chan Lu-Yan , Tang Chao , Zhao Zhongying , Yan Hong
Published: October 2019

Cell lineage consists of cell division timing, cell migration and cell fate, which are highly reproducible during the development of some nematode species, including C. elegans. Due to the lack of high spatiotemporal resolution of imaging technique and reliable shape-reconstruction algorithm, cell morphology have not been systematically characterized in depth over development for any metazoan. This significantly inhibits the study of space-related problems in developmental biology, including cell segregation, cell-cell contact and cell shape change over development. Here we develop an automated pipeline, CShaper, to help address these issues. By quantifying morphological parameters of densely packed cells in developing C. elegans emrbyo through segmentation of fluorescene-labelled membrance, we generate a time-lapse framework of cellular shape and migration for C. elegans embryos from 4-to 350-cell stage, including a full migration trajectory, morphological dynamics of 226 cells and 877 reproducible cell-cell contacts. In combination with automated cell tracing, cell-fate associated cell shape change becomes within reach. Our work provides a quantitative resource for C. elegans early development, which is expected to facilitate the research such as signaling transduction and cell biology of division.
Quantifying the relative importance of competition, predation, and environmental variation for species coexistence
Authors: Shoemaker Lauren G. , Barner Allison K. , Bittleston Leonora S. , Teufel Ashley I.
Published: October 2019

1

Coexistence theory and food web theory are two cornerstones of the longstanding effort to understand how species coexist. Although competition and predation are known to act simultaneously in communities, theory and empirical study of the two processes continue to be developed independently. Here, we integrate modern coexistence theory and food web theory to simultaneously quantify the relative importance of predation, competition, and environmental fluctuations for species coexistence. We first examine coexistence in a classic multi-trophic model, adding complexity to the food web using a novel machine learning approach. We then apply our framework to a parameterized rocky intertidal food web model, partitioning empirical coexistence dynamics. We find that both environmental fluctuation and variation in predation contribute substantially to species coexistence. Unexpectedly, covariation in these two forces tends to destabilize coexistence, leading to new insights about the role of bottom-up versus top-down forces in both theory and the rocky intertidal ecosystem.
In Vivo Study of Key Transcription Factors in Muscle Satellite Cells by CRISPR/Cas9/AAV9-sgRNA Mediated Genome Editing
Authors: He Liangqiang , Ding Yingzhe , Zhao Yu , So Karl K. , Peng Xianlu L. , Li Yuying , Yuan Jie , Sun Hao , Wang Huating
Published: October 2019

Skeletal muscle satellite cells (SCs) are adult muscle stem cells responsible for injury induced muscle regeneration. Despite advances in the knowledge of molecular mechanisms regulating SC lineage progression, our understanding of key transcription factors (TFs) and their regulatory functions in SCs in particularly the quiescent and early activation stages remains incomplete due to the lack of efficient method to screen and investigate the stage-specific key TFs. In this study, we succeeded in defining a distinct list of key TFs in early stages of SC fate transition using the paradigm of super enhancers (SEs). Particularly, leveraging the Cre-dependent Cas9 knockin mice and AAV9 mediated sgRNAs delivery, we generated a facile muscle specific genome editing system which allows gene depletion in SCs in vivo. Using MyoD locus as a proof of concept, we demonstrated that this CRISPR/Cas9/AAV9-sgRNA system can efficiently introduce mutagenesis at target locus and recapture the phenotypes reported in knockout mice. Further application of the system on key TFs, Myc, Bcl6 and Pknox2, revealed their distinct functions in the early stage of SC activation and damage induced muscle regeneration. Altogether our findings have proven the CRISPR/Cas9/AAV9-sgRNA system as a robust way for in vivo genome editing and elucidation of key factors governing SC activities.
Bacterial derived vitamin B12 enhances predatory behaviors in nematodes
Authors: Akduman Nermin , Lightfoot James W. , Röseler Waltraud , Witte Hanh , Lo Wen-Sui , Rödelsperger Christian , Sommer Ralf J.
Published: October 2019

The microbiome is known to affect host development, metabolism and immunity, however, its impact on behaviors is only beginning to be understood. Here, we investigate how bacteria modulate complex behaviors in the nematode model organismPristionchus pacificus. P. pacificusis a predator feeding on the larvae of other nematodes includingCaenorhabditis elegans. GrowingP. pacificuson different bacteria and testing their ability to killC. elegansreveals drastic differences in killing efficiencies with aNovosphingobiumspecies showing the strongest enhancement. Strikingly, increased killing was not accompanied by an increase in feeding, a phenomenon known as surplus-killing whereby predators kill more prey than necessary for sustenance. RNA-seq revealed widespread metabolic rewiring upon exposure toNovosphingobium, which facilitated the screening for bacterial mutants leading to an altered transcriptional response. This identified bacterial derived vitamin B12 as a major micronutrient enhancing predatory behaviors. Vitamin B12 is an essential cofactor for detoxification and metabolite biosynthesis and has previously been shown to accelerate development inC. elegans. InP. pacificusvitamin B12 supplementation amplified, whereas mutants in vitamin B12-dependent pathways reduced surplus-killing. This demonstrates that bacterial vitamin B12 affects complex behaviors and thus establishes a connection between microbial diet and the nervous system.
Validating metabarcoding-based biodiversity assessments with multi-species occupancy models: a case study using coastal marine eDNA
Authors: McClenaghan Beverly , Compson Zacchaeus G. , Hajibabaei Mehrdad
Published: October 2019

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is an increasingly popular method for rapid biodiversity assessment. As with any ecological survey, false negatives can arise during sampling and, if unaccounted for, lead to biased results and potentially misdiagnosed environmental assessments. We developed a multi-scale, multi-species occupancy model for the analysis of community biodiversity data resulting from eDNA metabarcoding; this model accounts for imperfect detection and additional sources of environmental and experimental variation. We present methods for model assessment and model comparison and demonstrate how these tools improve the inferential power of eDNA metabarcoding data using a case study in a coastal, marine environment. Using occupancy models to account for factors often overlooked in the analysis of eDNA metabarcoding data will dramatically improve ecological inference, sampling design, and methodologies, empowering practitioners with an approach to wield the high-resolution biodiversity data of next-generation sequencing platforms.
Genotype imputation using the Positional Burrows Wheeler Transform
Authors: Rubinacci Simone , Delaneau Olivier , Marchini Jonathan
Published: October 2019

Genotype imputation is the process of predicting unobserved genotypes in a sample of individuals using a reference panel of haplotypes. In the last 10 years reference panels have increased in size by more than 100 fold. Increasing reference panel size improves accuracy of markers with low minor allele frequencies but poses ever increasing computational challenges for imputation methods.

Here we present IMPUTE5, a genotype imputation method that can scale to reference panels with millions of samples. This method continues to refine the observation made in the IMPUTE2 method, that accuracy is optimized via use of a custom subset of haplotypes when imputing each individual. It achieves fast, accurate, and memory-efficient imputation by selecting haplotypes using the Positional Burrows Wheeler Transform (PBWT). By using the PBWT data structure at genotyped markers, IMPUTE5 identifies locally best matching haplotypes and long identical by state segments. The method then uses the selected haplotypes as conditioning states within the IMPUTE model.

Using the HRC reference panel, which has ~65,000 haplotypes, we show that IMPUTE5 is up to 30x faster than MINIMAC4 and up to 3x faster than BEAGLE5.1, and uses less memory than both these methods. Using simulated reference panels we show that IMPUTE5 scales sub-linearly with reference panel size. For example, keeping the number of imputed markers constant, increasing the reference panel size from 10,000 to 1 million haplotypes requires less than twice the computation time. As the reference panel increases in size IMPUTE5 is able to utilize a smaller number of reference haplotypes, thus reducing computational cost.

Author summary

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) typically use microarray technology to measure genotypes at several hundred thousand positions in the genome. However reference panels of genetic variation consist of haplotype data at >100 fold more positions in the genome. Genotype imputation makes genotype predictions at all the reference panel sites using the GWAS data. Reference panels are continuing to grow in size and this improves accuracy of the predictions, however methods need to be able to scale to increased size. We have developed a new version of the popular IMPUTE software than can handle referenece panels with millions of haplotypes, and has better performance than other published approaches. A notable property of the new method is that it scales sub-linearly with reference panel size. Keeping the number of imputed markers constant, a 100 fold increase in reference panel size requires less than twice the computation time.
Phytoene Synthase 2 Can Compensate for the Absence of Psy1 in Pepper Fruit (Capsicum annuum)
Authors: Jang So-Jeong , Jeong Hyo-Bong , Jung Ayoung , Kang Min-Young , Kim Suna , Ha Sun-Hwa , Kwon Jin-Kyung , Kang Byoung-Cheorl
Published: October 2019

Phytoene synthase 1 (PSY1) and Capsanthin-capsorubin synthase (CCS) are two major genes responsible for fruit color variation in pepper (Capsicum spp.), although fruit colors cannot be explained by variations in these two genes alone. Furthermore, the role of PSY2 in fruit color development in pepper is unknown. Here, we used a systemic approach to discover the genetic factors responsible for the yellow fruit color of C. annuum ‘MicroPep Yellow’ (MY) and to reveal the role of PSY2 in fruit color. We detected a complete deletion of PSY1 and a retrotransposon insertion in CCS in MY. Despite the loss of PSY1 and CCS function, the MY and mutant F2 plants from a cross between MY and the MicroPep Red (MR) accumulated basal levels of carotenoids, indicating that other PSY genes may complement the loss of PSY1. A qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that PSY2 is constitutively expressed in both MR and MY fruits, and a color complementation assay using Escherichia coli revealed that PSY2 is capable of biosynthesizing a carotenoid. Virus-induced gene silencing of PSY2 in MY resulted in white fruits. These findings suggest that PSY2 can compensate for the absence of PSY1 in fruit, resulting in the yellow color of MY fruits.

Highlight

We reveal the novel function of PSY2 in the development of yellow pepper fruit coloration using a psy1 knockout mutant. This gene function was not previously identified in solanaceous crops.
Social isolation uncovers a brain-wide circuit underlying context-dependent territory-covering micturition behavior
Authors: Hyun Minsuk , Taranda Julian , Radeljic Gianna , Miner Lauren , Wang Wengang , Ochandarena Nicole , Huang Kee Wui , Osten Pavel , Sabatini Bernardo
Published: October 2019

The controlled and volitional release of urine, or micturition, serves a fundamental physiological function and, in many species, is critical for social communication. In mice, the decision to release urine is modulated by external and internal factors such as environmental stimuli and social history and is transmitted to the spinal cord via the pontine micturition center (PMC). The neural pathways by which social experience and sensory stimuli interact to control PMC activity and regulate micturition are unclear. Here we establish a behavioral paradigm in which mice, depending on their strain, social experience, and immediate sensory context, display either high or low territory-covering micturition (TCM). We demonstrate that social context is represented by coordinated global activity changes in the urination network upstream of the PMC, whereas sensory context is represented by the activation of discrete nodes in the network. Furthermore, we show that the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), which is directly upstream of PMC, is a key node that can switch micturition behavior between high and low TCM modes.
Stress-mediated convergence of splicing landscapes in male and female Rock Doves
Authors: Lang Andrew S , Austin Suzanne H , Harris Rayna M , Calisi Rebecca M , MacManes Matthew D
Published: October 2019

Background

The process of alternative splicing provides a unique mechanism by which eukaryotes are able to produce numerous protein products from the same gene. Heightened variability in the proteome has been thought to potentiate increased behavioral complexity and response flexibility to environmental stimuli, thus contributing to more refined traits on which natural and sexual selection can act. While it has been long known that various forms of environmental stress can negatively affect sexual behavior and reproduction, we know little of how stress can affect the alternative splicing associated with these events, and less still about how splicing may differ between sexes. Using the model of the rock dove (Columba livia), our team previously uncovered sexual dimorphism in the basal and stress-responsive gene transcription of a biological system necessary for facilitating sexual behavior and reproduction, the hypothlamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In this study, we delve further into understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of how changes in the environment can affect reproduction by testing the alternative splicing response of the HPG axis to an external stressor in both sexes.

Results

This study reveals dramatic baseline differences in HPG alternative splicing between males and females. However, post submitting subjects to a restraint stress paradigm, we found a significant reduction in these differences between the sexes. In both stress and control treatments, we identified a higher incidence of splicing activity in the pituitary in both sexes as compared to other tissues. Of these splicing events, the core exon event is the most abundant form of splicing and more frequently occurs in the coding regions of the gene. Overall, we observed less splicing activity in the 3’UTR end of transcripts than the 5’UTR or coding regions.

Conclusions

Our results provide vital new insight into sex-specific aspects of the stress response on the HPG axis at an unprecedented proximate level. Males and females uniquely respond to stress, yet exhibit splicing patterns suggesting a convergent, optimal splicing landscape for stress response. This information has the potential to inform evolutionary theory as well as the development of highly-specific drug targets for stress-induced reproductive dysfunction.
Keeping it clean: the cell culture quality control experience at the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
Authors: Roth Jacob S. , Lee Tobie D. , Cheff Dorian M. , Gosztyla Maya L. , Asawa Rosita , Danchik Carina , Michael Sam , Simeonov Anton , Klumpp-Thomas Carleen , Wilson Kelli , Hall Matthew D.
Published: October 2019

Quality control monitoring of cell lines utilized in biomedical research is of critical importance, and is critical for reproducibility of data. Two key pitfalls in tissue culture are 1) cell line authenticity, and 2) mycoplasma contamination. As a collaborative research institute, the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences receives cell lines from a range of commercial and academic sources, that are adapted for high-throughput screening. Here, we describe the implementation of a routine NCATS-wide mycoplasma testing and short-tandem repeat (STR) testing for cell lines. Initial testing identified a >10% mycoplasma contamination rate, but the implementation of clearly defined protocols that included immediate destruction of contaminated cell lines wherever possible has led to a much-reduced mycoplasma contamination rate, and data for >2,000 cell line samples tested over 3 years, and case studies are provided. STR testing of 170 cell lines with established STR profiles revealed only 5 mis-identified cell lines received from external labs. The data collected over the three years since implementation of this systematic testing demonstrates the importance of continual vigilance for rapid identification of ‘problem’ cell lines, for ensuring reproducible data in translational science research.
Choosing the optimal population for a genome-wide association study: a simulation using whole-genome sequences from rice
Authors: Hamazaki Kosuke , Kajiya-Kanegae Hiromi , Yamasaki Masanori , Ebana Kaworu , Yabe Shiori , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Iwata Hiroyoshi
Published: October 2019

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) needs to have a suitable population. The factors that affect a GWAS, e.g. population structure, sample size, and sequence analysis and field testing costs, need to be considered. Mixture populations containing subpopulations of different genetic backgrounds may be suitable populations. We conducted simulation experiments to see if a population with high genetic diversity, e.g., a diversity panel, should be added to a target population, especially when the target population harbors small genetic diversity. The target population was 112 accessions ofOryza sativasubsp.japonica, mainly developed in Japan. We combined the target population with three populations that had higher genetic diversities. These were 100indicaaccessions, 100japonicaaccessions, and 100 accessions with various genetic backgrounds. The results showed that the GWAS power with a mixture population was generally higher than with a separate population. Also, the GWAS optimal population varied depending on the fixation indexFSTof the quantitative trait nucleotide (QTN) and its polymorphism of QTN in each population. When a QTN is polymorphic in a target population, a target population combined with a higher diversity population improves the QTN detection power. InvestigatingFSTand the expected heterozygosityHeas factors influencing the detection power, we showed that SNPs with highFSTor lowHeare less likely to be detected by GWAS with mixture populations. Sequenced/genotyped germplasm collections can improve the GWAS detection power by using a subset of them with a target population.

Core ideas (3-5 impact statements, 85 char max for each)

- Genome-wide association studies with mixture populations are expected to improve the detection power of novel genes due to the increase of the sample size although the influence of population structure is a concern.

- When a quantitative trait nucleotide (QTN) is polymorphic in a target population, a combination of the target population and a population with higher diversity than the target population improves the detection power of the QTN.

- We found that the fixation index (FST) and the expected heterozygosity (He) were strongly related to the detection power of QTNs.

- Germplasm collections which have been already sequenced/genotyped are useful for improving the detection power of GWAS without any addition of sequence costs by using a subset of them with a target population.
Effects of potassium silicate on corrosion behavior of dacromet coating
Authors: Tabi Khashayar , Farzam Mansour , Zaarei Davood
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Potassium silicate sealer was applied on solvent-cleaned, acid-pickled, dacromet-coated steel to improve its corrosion resistance. The purpose of this paper is to study the corrosion behavior of dacromet-coated steel.

Design/methodology/approach

Potassium silicate sealer was applied on solvent-cleaned, acid-pickled, dacromet-coated steel to improve its corrosion resistance. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and salt spray were carried out. SEM was used to study the morphological appearance of the surface.

Findings

The EIS behavior indicated that solvent-cleaned dacromet-coated steel sealed with potassium silicate showed that the corrosion current density was 2.664E − 5 A.cm2 which was reduced to 8.752E − 6 A.cm2 and the corrosion rate, which was 2.264E − 2 mm.year−1, was reduced to 7.438E − 3 mm.year−1 in NaCl 3.5 wt.per cent. EIS was used in NaCl 3.5 wt.%, and the Bode plot characteristics showed that the corrosion protection of solvent-cleaned, dacromet-coated steel was enhanced when sealed with potassium silicate. The EDS results of salt-sprayed, solvent-cleaned samples after 10 days indicated that the main corrosion products are composed of SiO2, ZnO and Al2O3.

Research limitations/implications

The detection of Li element in EDS was not possible because of the device limitation.

Originality/value

The current paper provides new information about the sealing properties of potassium silicate and its effects on the corrosion resistance of dacromet coating, which is widely used in many industries such as the automobile industry.
Influence of big data and predictive analytics and social capital on performance of humanitarian supply chain
Authors: Jeble Shirish , Kumari Sneha , Venkatesh V.G. , Singh Manju
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to investigate the role of big data and predictive analytics (BDPA) and social capital on the performance of humanitarian supply chains (HSCs); second, to explore the different performance measurement frameworks and develop a conceptual model for an HSC context that can be used by humanitarian organizations; and third, to provide insights for future research direction.

Design/methodology/approach

After a detailed review of relevant literature, grounded in resource-based view and social capital theory, the paper proposes a conceptual model that depicts the influence of BDPA and social capital on the performance of an HSC.

Findings

The study deliberates that BDPA as a capability improves the effectiveness of humanitarian missions to achieve its goals. It uncovers the fact that social capital binds people, organization or a country to form a network and has a critical role in the form of monetary or non-monetary support in disaster management. Further, it argues that social capital combined with BDPA capability can result in a better HSC performance.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model integrating BDPA and social capital for HSC performance is conceptual and it needs to be empirically validated.

Practical implications

Organizations and practitioners may use this framework by mobilizing social capital, BDPA to enhance their abilities to help victims of calamities.

Social implications

Findings from study can help improve coordination among different stakeholders in HSC, effectiveness of humanitarian operations, which means lives saved and faster reconstruction process after disaster. Second, by implementing performance measurements framework recommended by study, donors and other stakeholders will get much desired transparency at each stage of HSCs.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the missing link of social capital and BDPA to the existing performance of HSC literature, finally leading to a better HSC performance.
A novel hybrid series stacked differential fractal inductor for MMIC applications
Authors: Tumma Sunil Kumar , Nistala Bheema Rao
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design an on-chip inductor with high inductance, high-quality factor and high self-resonance frequency for the equivalent on-chip area using fractal curves.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel hybrid series stacked differential fractal inductor using Hilbert and Sierpinski fractal curves is proposed with two different layers connected in series using vias. The inductor is implemented in Sonnet EM simulator using 180 nm CMOS standard process technology.

Findings

The proposed inductor reduces the parasitic capacitance and negative mutual inductance between the adjacent layers with significant improvement in overall inductance, quality factor and self-resonance frequency when compared with conventional series stacked fractal inductors.

Research limitations/implications

The fractal inductor is used to create high inductance in the single-layer process, but access to multilayers is restricted owing to unusual and expensive fabrication processes.

Practical implications

The proposed inductor can be used in implementation of low noise amplifier, voltage controlled oscillators and power amplifiers.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a combination of two fractal curves to implement a hybrid fractal inductor that enhances the performance of the inductor.
Ethics and crisis translation: insights from the work of Paul Ricoeur
Authors: O’Mathúna Dónal P. , Hunt Matthew R.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the ethical dimensions of crisis translation through the lenses of Paul Ricoeur’s philosophical scholarship. In particular, his work on both translation and ethics will be examined in order to draw practical applications for those involved in humanitarian action.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors identified relevant themes in the work of renowned philosopher Paul Ricoeur and used philosophical analysis to apply them to ethical issues in crisis translation.

Findings

Paul Ricoeur was one of the leading philosophers in the twentieth century, writing on a wide variety of topics. From these, his work on translation and on ethics provided suitable ways to examine ethical issues in crisis translation. In particular, his concept of “linguistic hospitality” provides an important lens through which translation ethics can be examined. In addition, Ricoeur’s approach to ethics emphasised relational and justice dimensions which are crucial to examine in humanitarian settings.

Practical implications

While the findings are conceptual, they have many practical implications for how translation is approached in humanitarian crises. The focus on justice in Ricoeur’s approach has implications for policy and practice and serves to ensure that translation is available for all affected communities and that all groups are included in discussions around humanitarian responses.

Social implications

Ricoeur’s work provides important insights into both translation and ethics that have significant social implications. His ideas highlight the personal and emotional aspects of translation and ethics, and point to their relational character. His openness to others provides an important basis for building trust and promoting dignity even in difficult humanitarian settings.

Originality/value

Ricoeur’s ethics points to the importance of persons and their relationships, reminding responders that translation is not just a mechanical exercise. This approach fosters an interest in and openness to others and their languages, which can promote respect towards those being helped in humanitarian crises.
Governance of systemic risks for disaster prevention and mitigation
Authors: Schweizer Pia-Johanna , Renn Ortwin
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Systemic risks originate in tightly coupled systems. They are characterised by complexity, transboundary cascading effects, non-linear stochastic developments, tipping points, and lag in perception and regulation. Disasters need to be analysed in the context of vulnerabilities of infrastructure, industrial activities, structural developments and behavioural patterns which amplify or attenuate the impact of hazards. In particular, disasters are triggered by chains of events that often amplify and also multiply damages. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies the concept of systemic risks to disasters more precisely to the combination of natural and human-induced disasters. The paper refers to the International Risk Governance Council’s Risk Governance Framework and applies this framework to the systemic aspects of disaster risks.

Findings

The paper maps out strategies for inclusive governance of systemic risks for disaster prevention and mitigation. Furthermore, the paper highlights policy implications of these strategies and calls out for an integrated, inclusive and adaptive management approach for the systemic aspects of disaster risks.

Originality/value

The paper fulfils the identified need to analyse disaster risks in the context of vulnerabilities of infrastructure, industrial activities, structural developments and behavioural patterns which amplify or attenuate the impact of hazards.
Empowering the insured under health insurance: a case study in center of Iran
Authors: Pakdaman Mohsen , Geravandi Sara , Hejazi Ali , Salehi Mobin , Davoodifar Mahboobeh
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Currently, the health system is a treatment-oriented system focused on service providers. In this system, the main focus is on the health market, with little attention on insured. One way to get out of existing conditions is to empower the insured in order to involve them actively in maintaining and improving health. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study was done using the content analysis method. Based on the purposive sampling method and theoretical saturation criterion, 24 individuals including 12 health insurance experts and 12 insured participated in the study in 2018. The semi-structured interview method was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA10 software.

Findings

Having analyzed the interviews, 750 codes were obtained. These codes were categorized into two categories of “insurance experts” and “insured” and ten subcategories of “informing and educating, cost reduction, intersectional activities, expectations from the insured, services package, access to services, inability to pay costs, participation, and expectations from the insurance organization.”

Originality/value

This qualitative study was conducted to assess and determine the effective strategies for empowering the insured under health insurance. The results of this study are helpful to the health insurance organizations and health decision makers to detect the effective ways to develop the quality of insurance services, improve the status of insured, and increase access to health care goods and services.
Application of lean manufacturing in automotive manufacturing unit
Authors: Singh Jagmeet , Singh Harwinder
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to apply lean manufacturing using value stream mapping (VSM) in the manufacturing organization (automotive suspension and fastening components section). To validate the VSM approach, simulation has been done.

Design/methodology/approach

VSM approach has been used to implement lean stages in the U-bolt section. Current state map was prepared and future state map has been implemented. Further, simulation has been done to compare current state and future state maps.

Findings

It has been found that there is 87.59% reduction in cycle time (C/T), 76.47% reduction in work-in-process (WIP) inventory, 95.41% reduction in production lead time, 66.08% increase in value added (VA) ratio, 95.78% reduction in non-value added (NVA) time, 57.14% reduction in the number of operators and 70.67% reduction in change over (C/O) time for the U-bolt section. Simulated and VSM of current and future state has observed error of 5 s.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on automotive manufacturing industry situated in northern part of India. The outcome of this study is applicable only to the selected product of the manufacturing company.

Originality/value

This paper deals with case study part which reflects the true picture of implementation of Lean manufacturing (LM) tools in the organization.
A longitudinal exploratory study of ISO 9001 certification abandonment in small- and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Zimon Dominik , Dellana Scott
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the expectations for ISO 9001 certification in a group of small- and medium-sized enterprises, then to assess the reasons for their subsequent abandonment of the certification and the long-term impacts of that decision.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study come from longitudinal case studies involving a series of questionnaires, in-depth on-site interviews and informal conversations with top managers of 22 firms in the heating technology service industry in Poland. The research process was conducted in three stages. The first stage occurred in the Summer of 2008 in which a broad analysis was conducted of the impact of ISO 9001 certification on the functioning of the organizations. The second stage was conducted in 2012, to gather the information about the organizations that subsequently abandoned their ISO 9001 certification. The third stage was carried out in 2016 to examine the longer-term impact of ISO 9001 certification abandonment in these organizations.

Findings

The main motivation for study participants obtaining ISO 9001 certification centred around market visibility and gaining new customers rather than on lowering operating costs or improving quality. Managers also expected certification to improve organization documentation. The decision to abandon certification had to do with lack of time for improvement efforts and questionable cost-benefit that could lead to higher prices. Certification was considered unnecessary to achieve the goals of the organization. In retrospect, only a small percentage (20 per cent) of small- and medium-sized enterprises in the sample group felt that abandoning ISO 9001 certification was largely the correct decision. A majority (53 per cent) thought it was largely a regrettable decision.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on a limited number of case studies for smaller organizations in one purchasing group in industry rather than on a large cross-section of different organizations sizes and types. Therefore, the ability to draw statistical inferences is limited and the results may not generalize to other settings. However, this appears to be one of the few studies of its kind on voluntary abandonment of the certification.

Practical implications

It is important for business managers to understand not only the reasons supporting initial certification, but the rationale that organizations cite for abandonment of the certification and the long-term impacts of that decision.

Originality/value

A study of voluntary ISO 9001 certification abandonment appears to be relatively absent in the literature. This research opens a new area of research into the assessment of potential consequences of abandoning the certification.
Pilot implementation of child psychosocial framework in Kenya, Turkey and Brazil
Authors: Vostanis Panos , Eruyar Seyda , Smit Esther , O’Reilly Michelle
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a child psychosocial framework among stakeholders in areas of disadvantage in three low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), i.e. Kenya, Turkey and Brazil, and to capture their proposed recommendations through action plans according to this framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Workshops were facilitated with a total of 54 participants from different disciplines. The framework addressed safety and child-centredness, quality of care, resilience-building in schools and communities, enhancing competencies within existing roles, counselling and psychological interventions, and access to mental health services. Stakeholders’ perspectives were captured through a participatory action procedure.

Findings

The emerging 33 categories across the framework dimensions and the three sites led to four overarching and inter-linked themes. These related to community awareness; empowerment and “mobilization” of children, young people and families; inter-agency policy and practice; and capacity-building on skills acquisition at different levels.

Research limitations/implications

The next stage in this service research should be full implementation and evaluation in different LMIC contexts.

Practical implications

It is feasible to implement such a child psychosocial framework in contexts of conflict and disadvantage, and in the absence of specialist mental health services. Active stakeholder engagement and co-production should be central to the next phase of service transformation in LMIC.

Originality/value

This study captured the views and experiences of stakeholders in LMIC areas of disadvantage, and demonstrated their readiness to establish interdisciplinary networks and re-focus existing services.
The public sphere without democracy: some recent work in LIS
Authors: Buschman John
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and re-direct recent schematic and empirical scholarship on Habermas’ theory of the public sphere in library and information science (LIS).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a critical analysis of the relevant literature in light of Habermas’ origination and use/purpose of the public sphere concept.

Findings

The authors examined here produced a schematic operationalization of the public sphere that thinned the concept, but in turn, that schematization has produced insight into the civil society functions and communications of libraries, both within and without. For this work to be meaningful, the considerations and contexts of democratic society must be reinserted.

Research limitations/implications

Further explorations of the relationship between the public sphere and civil society as they are manifested around and in libraries is called for. Additionally, Weigand’s approach to producing data/evidence on the public sphere and libraries should be furthered.

Practical implications

Understanding the role and function of libraries in democratic societies is essential for libraries to play a productive democratic role in those societies and thus, in guiding them.

Social implications

This paper helps to situate the bewildering circumstances of libraries who face both popular support and broad political-social questioning of their role and place.

Originality/value

This paper arguably interjects a more sophisticated and nuanced theoretical picture of the public sphere than prior precis presented in the LIS literature have undertaken. It also engages a unique set of empirical-theoretical students from another perspective in order to deepen and shift that research discourse.
Why do employees speak up? Examining the roles of LMX, perceived risk and perceived leader power in predicting voice behavior
Authors: Duan Jinyun , Lapointe Émilie , Xu Yue , Brooks Sarah
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand better why employees voice. Drawing on social information processing theory and insights derived from the literature on power, the authors suggest that leader–member exchange (LMX) fosters voice by reducing the perceived risk of voicing. The authors further contend that high perceived leader power will strengthen this mediated relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors relied on a sample of 265 employee-supervisor dyads collected from Chinese organizations to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

Results indicated that perceived risk of voicing significantly mediated the positive LMX–voice behavior relationship. In addition, perceived leader power strengthened the effect of LMX on voice behavior via perceived risk of voicing. The relationship of LMX to perceived risk of voicing was more negative, and the indirect effect of LMX on voice behavior was more positive when employees perceived that leader power was high.

Practical implications

Organizations seeking to promote voice behaviors should support leaders to develop high-quality relationships with employees. Organizations should also ensure that leaders are sufficiently empowered to fulfill their roles, and ensure that employees are aware of their leaders’ influence.

Originality/value

Findings suggest that, in the context of high quality leader–member relationships, employees’ perceptions of their leaders’ power may help to overcome barriers associated with speaking up. Thus, this study helps explain the conditions that encourage employees to voice.
Assessing water supply for the urban poor in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh
Authors: Shuaib A.S.M. , Rana Md Masud Parves
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding about sources of water for the urban poor in Rajshahi city, Bangladesh. It evaluates water supply performances to identify priority areas of water supply for further improvement. The paper also illustrates whether location of slums in the city has a connection with water supply facilities or not.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a case study of water supply for the urban slum dwellers. Based on a questionnaire survey, it evaluates performances of water supply following a holistic framework for assessing dimensions of water supply system among three slum zones of Rajshahi city. The dimensions of water supply are as follows: technical, biophysical, political, institutional, economic and social.

Findings

The research finds that most of the slum dwellers do not have reliable and sufficient access to water supply. The performance of water supply is location specific, and all of the slums do not have equal access to all dimensions of water supply. Overall performance of water supply is moderate, but individual performances of dimensions are unsatisfactory and unequal among the slums.

Practical implications

The paper suggests location-specific identification of strengths and weaknesses of water supply for the poor. It consolidates a performance evaluation method for identifying priority areas and needs of the urban poor for making Rajshahi city more inclusive and sustainable.

Originality/value

The paper provides an assessment of water supply performance for the urban poor in Rajshahi city, Bangladesh.