bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-bias RNA sequencing of the HIV-2 genome from blood plamsa
Authors: James Katherine L. , de Silva Thushan , Brown Katherine , Whittle Hilton , Taylor Stephen , McVean Gilean , Esbjörnsson Joakim , Rowland-Jones Sarah L.
Published: May 2018

Accurate determination of the genetic diversity present in the HIV quasi-species is critical for the development of a preventative vaccine: in particular, little is known about viral genetic diversity for the second strain of HIV, HIV-2. A better understanding of HIV-2 biology is relevant to the HIV vaccine field because a substantial proportion of infected people experience long-term viral control, and prior HIV-2 infection is associated with slower HIV-1 disease progression in co-infected subjects. The majority of traditional and next generation sequencing methods have relied on target amplification prior to sequencing, introducing biases that may obscure the true signals of diversity in the viral population. Additionally, target-enrichment through PCR requiresa priorisequence knowledge, which is lacking for HIV-2. Therefore, a target enrichment free method of library preparation would be valuable for the field. We applied an RNA shotgun sequencing (RNA-Seq) method without PCR amplification to cultured viral stocks and patient plasma samples from HIV-2 infected individuals. Libraries generated from total plasma RNA were analysed with a two-step pipeline: (1)de novogenome assembly, followed by (2) read re-mapping. By this approach, whole genome sequences were generated with a 28x-67x mean depth of coverage. Assembled reads showed a low level of GC-bias and comparison of the genome diversity on the intra-host level showed low diversity in the accessory genevpxin all patients. Our study demonstrates that RNA-Seq is a feasible full-genomede novosequencing method for blood plasma samples collected from HIV-2 infected individuals.

IMPORTANCE

An accurate picture of viral genetic diversity is critical for the development of a globally effective HIV vaccine. However, sequencing strategies are often complicated by target enrichment prior to sequencing, introducing biases that can distort variant frequencies, which are not easily corrected for in downstream analyses. Additionally, detaileda priorisequence knowledge is needed to inform robust primer design when employing PCR amplification, a factor that is often lacking when working with tropical diseases localised in developing countries. Previous work has demonstrated that direct RNA shotgun sequencing (RNA-Seq) can be used to circumvent these issues for HCV and Norovirus. We applied shotgun RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to total RNA extracted from HIV-2 blood plasma samples, demonstrating the applicability of this technique to HIV-2 and allowing us to generate a dynamic picture of genetic diversity over the whole genome of HIV-2 in the context of low-bias sequencing.
Developing NMR methods for macromolecular machines: Measurement of residual dipolar couplings to probe dynamic regions of the ribosome
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Kirkpatrick John P. , Launay Hélène M. M. , de Simone Alfonso , Häussinger Daniel , Dobson Christopher M. , Vendruscolo Michele , Cabrita Lisa D. , Waudby Christopher A. , Christodoulou John
Published: May 2018

We describe an NMR approach based on the measurement of residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) to probe the structural and motional properties of the dynamic regions of the ribosome. Alignment of intact 70S ribosomes in filamentous bacteriophage enabled measurement of RDCs in the stalk protein bL12, and this information was used to refine a 3D structure of its C-terminal domain (CTD). Orientational constraints on the CTD alignment arising from the semiflexible linker sequence were further probed by a paramagnetic alignment strategy, and provided direct experimental validation of a structural ensemble previously derived from SAXS and NMR relaxation measurements. Our results demonstrate the prospect of better characterising dynamical and functional regions of more challenging macromolecular machines and systems, for example ribosome–nascent chain complexes.
Widespread Alterations in Translation Elongation in the Brain of Juvenile Fmr1 Knock-Out Mice
Authors: Das Sharma Sohani , Metz Jordan B. , Li Hongyu , Hobson Benjamin D. , Hornstein Nicholas , Sulzer David , Tang Guomei , Sims Peter A.
Published: May 2018

FMRP is a polysome-associated RNA-binding protein encoded by Fmr1 that is lost in Fragile X syndrome. Increasing evidence suggests that FMRP regulates both translation initiation and elongation, but the gene-specificity of these effects is unclear. To elucidate the impact of Fmr1 loss on translation, we used ribosome profiling for genome-wide measurements of ribosomal occupancy and positioning in the cortex of 24 day-old Fmr1 knock-out mice. We found a remarkably coherent reduction in ribosome footprint abundance per mRNA for previously identified, high-affinity mRNA binding partners of FMRP, and an increase for terminal oligo-pyrimidine (TOP) motif-containing genes canonically controlled by mTOR-4EBP-eIF4E signaling. Amino acid motif- and gene-level analyses both showed a widespread reduction of translational pausing in Fmr1 knock-out mice. Our findings are consistent with a model of FMRP-mediated regulation of both translation initiation through eIF4E and elongation that is disrupted in Fragile X syndrome.
Production of spliced long noncoding RNAs specifies regions with increased enhancer activity
Authors: Gil Noa , Ulitsky Igor
Published: May 2018

Active enhancers in mammals produce enhancer RNAs (eRNAs), that are bidirectionally transcribed, unspliced, and unstable noncoding RNAs. Enhancer regions are also enriched with long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) genes, which are typically spliced and are longer and substantially more stable than eRNAs. In order to explore the relationship between these two classes of RNAs and the implications of lncRNA transcription on enhancer functionality, we analyzed DNAse hypersensitive sites with evidence of bidirectional transcription, which we termed eRNA producing centers (EPCs). A subset of EPCs, which are found very close to the transcription start site of lncRNA genes, exhibit attributes of both enhancers and promoters, including distinctive DNA motifs and a characteristic landscape of bound proteins. These EPCs are associated with a subset of relatively highly active enhancers. This stronger enhancer activity is driven, at least in part, by the presence of evolutionary conserved, directional splicing signals that promote lncRNA production, pointing at a causal role of lncRNA processing in enhancer activity. Together, our results suggest a model whereby the ability of some enhancers to produce lncRNAs, which is conserved in evolution, enhances their activity in a manner likely mediated through maturation of the associated lncRNA.
The effector of Hippo signaling, Taz, is required for formation of the micropyle and fertilization in zebrafish
Authors: Yi Xiaogui , Yu Jia , Ma Chao , Dong Guoping , Shi Wenpeng , Li Li , Luo Lingfei , Sampath Karuna , Ruan Hua , Huang Honghui
Published: May 2018

The mechanisms that ensure fertilization of eggs by a single sperm are not fully understood. In all teleosts, a channel called the ‘micropyle’ is the only route of entry for sperm to enter and fertilize the egg. The micropyle forms by penetration of the developing vitelline envelope by a single specialized follicle cell, the micropylar cell, which subsequently degenerates. The mechanisms underlying micropylar cell specification and micropyle formation are poorly understood. Here, we show that an effector of the Hippo signaling pathway, the Transcriptional co-activator with a PDZ-binding domain (Taz), plays crucial roles in micropyle formation and fertilization in zebrafish. Genome editing mutants affectingtazcan grow to adults, however, eggs from homozygoustazfemales are not fertilized even though oocytes in mutant females are histologically normal with intact animal-vegetal polarity, complete meiosis and proper ovulation. However,tazmutant eggs have no micropyle. We show that Taz protein is specifically enriched from mid-oogenesis onwards in two follicle cells located at the animal pole of the oocyte, and co-localizes with the actin and tubulin cytoskeleton. Taz protein and micropylar cell are not detected intazmutant ovaries. Our work identifies a novel role for the Hippo/Taz pathway in micropylar cell specification in zebrafish, and uncovers the molecular basis of micropyle formation in teleosts.
Prolyl Endopeptidase (PREP) is Involved in the Reproductive Functions and Cytoskeletal Organization in Rat Spermatogenesis and in Mammalian Sperm
Authors: Venditti Massimo , Minucci Sergio
Published: May 2018

Prolyl endopeptidase (PREP) is an enzyme which cleaves several peptide hormones and neuropeptides at the carboxyl side of proline residues, involved in many biological processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation, glucose metabolism, learning, memory and cognitive disorders. Moreover, PREP was identified as binding partner of tubulin, suggesting that this endopeptidase may be involved in microtubule-associate processes, independent of its peptidase activity. Several reports have also suggested PREP participation in both male and female reproduction-associated processes. In this work, we assessed the possible association of PREP with the morphogenesis of rat testis, profiling its localization versus tubulin, during the first wave of spermatogenesis and in the adult gonad (from 7 to 60 dpp). Here we show that, in mitotic phases, PREP shares its localization with tubulin in Sertoli cells, gonocytes and spermatogonia. Later, during meiosis, both proteins are found in spermatocytes, and in the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells protrusions, which surround the germ cells, while, during spermiogenesis, they both localize in the cytoplasm of round and elongating spermatids. Finally, they are expressed in the flagellum of mature gametes, as corroborated by additional immunolocalization analysis on both rat and human sperm. Our data strongly support the hypothesis of a role of PREP in supporting a correct reproductive function and in cytoskeletal organization during Mammalian testis morphogenesis and gamete progression, while also hinting at its possible investigation as a morphological marker of germ cell and sperm physiology.

Summary statement

In this paper we show the co-localization of the enzyme PREP with tubulin during the first wave of rat spermatogenesis and in mature gametes of rat and human.
Project feasibility analysis economic model for private investments in the renewable energy sector
Authors: Badasyan Norayr
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the financial and economic aspects of the renewable energy sector aiming to develop and present a project feasibility analysis model that allows the public sector to master plan socially beneficial infrastructure projects and to find financially viable options for private investments. This paper develops a general frame that can be harmonized to a certain project by applying relevant country specific schemes.

Design/methodology/approach

The cost-benefit analysis (CBA) approach is used to develop relevant formulas aiming to compare the economic internal rate of return (EIRR) and financial internal rate of return (FIRR) of the possible investment options. The IRR method is used for the development of a platform that will allow comparing different project alternatives and choosing an optimal model for both public and private partners. A case study approach from Uzbekistan is used to highlight the implementation possibilities of the model based on a certain country example.

Findings

This paper develops a decision-making frame allowing the public sector to find organizational options that provide economically viable projects and at the same time attract private investors in the latter. The designed map of possible benefits, costs and revenue mechanisms allows practitioners to analyze the economic and financial viability of the existing combinations by using the developed model.

Practical implications

The developed model will allow the public sector to use the needed data on different possible design models in the developed formulas in order to identify the EIRR and FIRR of each option. Nevertheless, the application of the model will be possible after considering country specific options needed for CBA. The private sector can use the model to identify the financially acceptable options for the investments.

Originality/value

The paper provides the decision makers with a sound tool to identify the possible combinations of the options to conduct a relevant project with private investments in the renewable energy sector and to choose the model that generates the highest social welfare.
Influential mechanism of printed circuit board properties on micro hole drilling temperature
Authors: Shi Hongyan , Lin Xiaoke , Yan Qiuxin , Liang Xiong
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to study the influence of properties of printed circuit boards (PCBs) on the temperature during micro drilling and obtain the influential mechanism of PCBs based on temperature measurement.

Design/methodology/approach

Experiments were carried out to study the influence mechanism of PCB properties on micro hole drilling temperature under high spindle speed. The temperature measurement platform was applied, then the influence of components ratio of PCBs on the temperature of micro-drilling was analyzed by using comparative analysis method. The mass ratio of each kind of material in the PCB was defined as four levels and the influence mechanism of properties of PCBs based on temperature measurement was summarized.

Findings

Average filler and lower resin would have a positive impact on micro hole drilling temperature, and the smaller filler size and the even distribution would make it better.

Originality/value

An infrared temperature measurement platform was applied and influential mechanism of PCB properties on temperature was analyzed, which could provide the reference value on the optimization of temperature during micro drilling.
What future for industrial relations in Europe?
Authors: Hyman Richard
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to perform a systematic cross-country comparison of key features of industrial relations in Europe in a context where consolidated post-war institutions are under attack on many fronts. The author discusses a number of key similarities and differences across the countries of Europe, and end by considering whether progressive alternatives still exist.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws upon academic literature and compares the contributions to this special issue in the light of common problems and challenges.

Findings

The trend towards the erosion of nationally based employment protection and collective bargaining institutions is widely confirmed. In most of Central and Eastern Europe, where systems of organised industrial relations were at best only partially established after the collapse of the Soviet regime, the scope for unilateral dominance by (in particular foreign-owned) employers has been further enlarged. It is also clear that the European Union, far from acting as a force for harmonisation of regulatory standards and a strengthening of the “social dimension” of employment regulation, is encouraging the erosion of nationally based employment protections and provoking a growing divergence of outcomes. However, the trends are contradictory and uneven.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to an updated cross-country comparative analysis of the ongoing transformations in European industrial relations and discusses still existing progressive alternatives.
Employer branding and talent retention: perceptions of employees in higher education institutions in Uganda
Authors: Matongolo Asuman , Kasekende Francis , Mafabi Sam
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine, empirically the relationship between employer branding attributes of reward strategy, people orientedness and; leadership and development on talent retention in institutions of higher learning in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

In a cross-sectional study, data were obtained form 218 respondents from two public universities. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling were employed to analyze the data.

Findings

The paper has two major findings: first, CFA maintained three dimensions of employer branding, namely; reward strategy, people orientedness and; leadership and development; and second, only reward strategy and people orientedness emerged as significant predictors of talent retention.

Originality/value

The results suggest that institutions of higher learning that embrace reward people orientedness strategies as measures for employer branding succeed in retaining their employees for longer.
Failure is an option: an innovative engineering curriculum
Authors: Simpson Edward , Bradley David , O’Keeffe Juliette
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Advancements and innovation in engineering design are based on learning from previous failures but students are encouraged to “succeed” first time and hence can avoid learning from failure in practice. The purpose of this paper is to design and evaluate a curriculum to help engineering design students to learn from failure.

Design/methodology/approach

A new curriculum design provided a case study for evaluating the effects of incorporating learning from failure within a civil engineering course. An analysis of the changes in course output was undertaken in relation to graduate destination data covering 2006 to 2016 and student satisfaction from 2012 to 2017 and a number of challenges and solutions for curriculum designers were identified.

Findings

The design and delivery of an innovative curriculum, within typical constraints, can provide opportunities for students to develop resilience to failure as an integral part of their learning in order to think creatively and develop novel engineering solutions. The key issues identified were: the selection of appropriate teaching methods, creating an environment for exploratory learning, group and team assessments with competitive elements where practicable and providing students with many different pedagogical approaches to produce a quality learning experience.

Originality/value

This case study demonstrates how to design and implement an innovative curriculum that can produce positive benefits of learning from failure. This model can be applied to other disciplines such as building surveying and construction management. This approach underpins the development of skills necessary in the educational experience to develop as a professional building pathologist.
Feedback trading and short-term return dynamics in Athens Stock Exchange
Authors: Kyrkilis Dimitrios , Koulakiotis Athanasios , Babalos Vassilios , Kyriakou Maria
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the hypothesis of feedback trading along with the short-term return dynamics of three size-based stock portfolios of Athens Stock Exchange during the Greek debt crisis period.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, the authors employ for the first time in the literature two well-known models while the variance equation is modeled by means of a multivariate EGARCH specification. As a robustness test an innovative nested-EGARCH model is also employed.

Findings

The assumption that positive feedback trading is an important component of the short-term return movements across the three stock portfolios receives significant support. Moreover, the volatility interdependence, both in magnitude and sign, is almost similar across the three models. Finally, bad news originating from the portfolio of small stock appears to have a higher impact on the volatility of large and medium size stock returns than good news during the Greek debt crisis period.

Originality/value

The methodology is innovative and the authors test for the first time the feedback trading hypothesis across different size stocks. The authors believe that the results might entail significant policy implications for investors and market regulators.
Mechanical characterization of concrete block used on infill masonry panels
Authors: Raposo Patricia , Furtado André , Arêde António , Varum Humberto , Rodrigues Hugo
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The infill masonry walls in recent worldwide earthquakes have shown that it is necessary to conduct further studies to characterize the behavior of existing buildings and, in particular, of infill masonry walls under seismic activity. The lack of characterization studies of infill walls made by concrete blocks justifies the investigation reported herein, which includes experimental tests on sample sets to evaluate the mechanical properties of masonry components (units and mortar) and assemblages (wallets) made with masonry units from Faial. For the later, normal compressive, diagonal tensile/shear and out-of-plane flexural strengths were obtained according to standard procedures, the results of which are presented in the manuscript. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

One experimental campaign was conducted with the aim to mechanically characterize concrete blocks masonry samples. Several experimental tests were carried out in full-scale masonry concrete wallets according to the constructive methodology used.

Findings

Based on the data obtained from the mechanical characterization tests of the concrete masonry blocks, it can be seen that under simple compression, the masonry specimens’ average resistance is about 6 times superior than the average resistance to diagonal shear/tension, while the stiffness is almost doubled. In simple compression tests, it was observed that the masonry specimens cracked in areas of higher drilling of the blocks. In the tensile tests by diagonal compression, it was found that the test specimens were mainly fissured by the block/mortar joint interfaces, following the delineation of settlement and top joints.

Originality/value

There are no experimental results available in the literature for this type of bricks that can contribute to the development of numerical studies.
Numerical analysis and structural intervention methodology for a wood floor of a medieval building
Authors: Raposo Patricia , Andrade Michael , Correia José , Salavessa Maria E. , Reis Cristina , Oliveira Carlos , Jesus Abilio M.P. de
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The case-study building of this work is the Medieval Inn of Gralheira (“Pousada Medieval da Gralheira”) located in Vila Pouca de Aguiar, Portugal. This building is an example of the structures of that time, located in Trás-os-Montes, Portugal. A large amount of the built heritage suffers from advanced degradation, making the recovery, increasing the complexity of the rehabilitation and restoration intervention and implying a highly specialized interdisciplinary component. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to carry out a study of the building in order to perform an analysis of its wood floor and assess its structural behaviour and conservation status. This work also presents some examples of intervention methods and rehabilitation techniques used to solve problems in the masonry structure and wood structures.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, a numerical model of a wood pavement of a medieval building is presented, which was developed and calibrated with values obtained in an experimental campaign of wood specimens extracted from the floor structure and the deformation measured in situ. This model aims to analyse and predict the behaviour of the structure in terms of serviceability limit states. Rehabilitation and reinforcing techniques are described, for specific damages, complemented with a critical comparative analysis to define the most appropriate rehabilitation measures for each situation.

Findings

In this work, for the numerical model of the medieval building under consideration, the support of the beams in the walls between 50 per cent embedded and simply supported (hinge supports) was used. Since the beams have some restriction imposed by the wall, they have a delivery about 20 cm in the wall. The consideration of the delivery between beam and columns as simply supported (hinge supports) is a reasonable approximation. There is a difference between the values of deformation obtained in the numerical model and in situ due to the support conditions and also due to the consideration of the pavement loads as a distributed load, which does not correspond entirely to reality, since the pavement confers rigidity to the floor, behaving like a diaphragm. The presented intervention techniques are not applicable in all structures because each building has different characteristics, in terms of materials and construction. The pathologies occur due to many sources and each case is unique, and must be carefully studied before taking decisions about the rehabilitation methods to use.

Originality/value

This work presents a numerical model of wood pavement of a medieval building developed according to some experimental values obtained in an experimental campaign using wood specimens extracted from original beams and based on in situ measurements. This study is part of master thesis of Michael Andrade, an original research work.
Fatigue crack growth rate in CFRP reinforced constructional old steel
Authors: Lesiuk Grzegorz , Katkowski Mikolaj , Correia José , de Jesus Abilio M.P. , Blazejewski Wojciech
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to observe an influence of different Composite Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) patches, whose application to metals is very easy, in suppling and significantly elongating the service time; and second, the numerical calculation of the reduced stress intensity factor (SIF) range for strengthened cracked steel specimens.

Design/methodology/approach

One of the successful strengthening methods is the CFRP patching along the fatigue crack paths. The presented approach has been studied and discussed in this paper on the background of the numerical and experimental data. As it was expected, the proposed strengthening method is efficient and promising in case of the “immediate” repairs of critical members with cracks. The manufacturing process of specimens and test methodology as well as numerical approach to calculate SIFs for various reinforcements of steel specimens are presented. For this purpose, the Extended Finite Element Method was involved and described.

Findings

The main mechanism of fatigue crack growth retardation is associated with local ΔK reduction due to CFRP patches; any type of reinforcement results in an increase in af and a significant decrease in SIF values. The beach-marking method is described as a good, reliable and comprehensive method to capture the crack propagation in structures consisting of various materials and could be applied successfully for mixed mode testing.

Originality/value

A detailed experimental-numerical approach for fatigue crack growth in long-term operated structures made of steel is presented. The strengthening methodology is presented with consideration of the various CFRP patches configurations.
Features of the microstructural and mechanical degradation of long term operated mild steel
Authors: Krechkovska Halyna , Student Oleksandra , Lesiuk Grzegorz , Correia José
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the technical state of old and repair steels of Shukhov’s tower elements after operation during ~ 110 and 70 years of the water tower in Nikolaev, basing on their mechanical tests, metallography and fractography investigations.

Design/methodology/approach

For their certification, the fractographic and structural features and mechanical properties (hardness, strength, plasticity and impact toughness) were analyzed. Both the steels under consideration were characterized by low values of hardness and brittle fracture resistance. The mechanical characteristics of the old steel are lower compared with the repair one. It cannot be only explained by the quality of metal rolling. Moreover, the plasticity characteristics of both steels, defined in synthetic acid rain environment, are lower than in the air. Using fractography investigation, the operational damages in the bulk metal in the form of the elements of cleavage fracture in the central part of the fracture surfaces of specimens tested at the hydrogenation condition by synthetic acid rain environment were revealed.

Findings

The results of this study suggested a degradation of steels’ characteristics caused by the development of scattering damages during their operation. Higher relative elongation of the old steel at lower hardness and impact toughness were also evidenced in that. The metallography and fractography investigations also supported this finding.

Originality/value

This original study aimed at characterizing the microstructural and mechanical degradation of mild steels that was collected from Shukhov’s tower structural elements.
Fatigue assessment of a high-speed railway composite steel-concrete bridge by the hot-spot stress method
Authors: Alencar Guilherme , Ferreira Gonçalo , de Jesus Abílio M.P. , Calçada Rui
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the fatigue performance of a welded detail from a composite steel-concrete railway twin girder bridge caused by a passenger train circulating at varying speeds, by identifying the dynamic amplification scenarios induced by resonance. For this purpose, the hotspot stress method is used, instead of the traditional nominal stress methods.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper assesses the fatigue behavior of a welded connection considering critical stress concentration locations (hotspot). Finite element analysis (FEA) is applied, utilizing both a global and a local submodel, made compatible by displacements field interpolation. The dynamic response is obtained through the modal superposition method. Stress cycles are extracted with the rainflow counting method and the fatigue damage is calculated with Palmgren-Miner’s rule. The feasibility of five submodels with different mesh densities, i.e. 1, 2, 4, 8 and 20 mm is verified.

Findings

An increase in the fatigue damage due to the resonance effect was found for the train traveling at a speed of 225 km/h. A good agreement between the computed fatigue damage for the submodels is achieved. However, a non-monotonic hotspot stress/fatigue damage vs mesh density convergence was observed with a peak observed for the 4 mm model, which endorses the mesh sensitivity that could occur when using the surface stress extrapolation detailed rules specified in the standards for the hotspot stress method.

Originality/value

Advanced dynamic analyses are proposed to obtain local stresses in order to apply a local method for the fatigue assessment of a bridge’s structure subjected to high-speed railway traffic on the basis of the mode superposition technique resulting in much less computing times.
Mediating role of organizational commitment in the relationship between human resource management practices and employee engagement
Authors: Aktar Alima , Pangil Faizuniah
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of organizational commitment (OC) on the relationship between human resource management (HRM) practices and employee engagement among banking employees in the context of an emerging economy namely Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey data include 383 employees from 30 private commercial banks in Bangladesh. For analyzing the data, structural equation modeling is employed with the bootstrapping method.

Findings

This study finds that HRM practices such as career advancement, employee participation, job security, performance feedback, rewards and recognition, training and development are the significant predictors of employee engagement. Results also identify OC as a partial mediator on HRM practices and employee engagement relationship which suggest that direct relationship of predictors and criterion variables are stronger than indirect association. More interestingly, findings indicate that the mechanism of black-box stage is not always work on the relationship between HRM practices and employee performance.

Originality/value

Exploring the role of OC on the relationship between HRM practices and employees’ behavioral outcome, i.e. employee engagement, is appeared as an initial effort in the academic literature. Furthermore, empirical research that examines the association of different organizational factors with employee engagement through OC is rarely been investigated. Thus, the findings of this study act as a strategic tool for the bank managers to design their organizational policies in such a way that fosters their employee’ level of engagement.
The refugee crisis as a preparation stage for future exclusion
Authors: Xypolytas Nikolaos
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Using the holistic approach to migrant exclusion, the purpose of this paper is to examine the refugee crisis as a preparation stage for future exclusion in the host countries. In previous migration analyses, the preparation stage involved only the country of origin, where people were becoming acclimatized to casual and low-status work and an ethos of survival. In the refugee crisis, this important stage spans across three spaces: the country of origin, Turkey as an intermediate stage and the hotspots of Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative research that was based on 22 semi-structured interviews with refugees from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan who live in the hotspot of Moria which is situated in Lesvos, Greece.

Findings

The research shows that in the first two countries of the preparation stage, refugees have become accustomed to casual and low-status jobs, which results in the loss of their labor identity and the development of instrumental work orientations. Similarly, the living conditions at the hotspots are so problematic that refugees are becoming desperate to escape this environment. These can have serious consequences for integration in the host countries, as refugees become pacified and at the same time strongly inclined to enter casual and low-status employment. Both developments can drastically undermine the refugees’ relation to the societies of the host countries.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that, given the preparation stage in these three settings, migration policy in the host countries should focus on recognizing long marginalization processes, immediately decongesting the hotspots and pay particular emphasis on the acknowledgment or creation of skills that can distance refugees from casual and low-status work.
China: US intercountry adoption: a quantitative grounded theory study
Authors: McBride Sarah , Kevern Peter
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors influencing the scale and nature of intercountry adoption (ICA) between the People’s Republic of China and the USA, and to describe the significance and contribution of each to ICA processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A documentary data analysis approach based upon the quantitative grounded theory: first, interpreting available data, and second, conducting a thematic analysis of the literature to generate a theory of key factors.

Findings

The results showed that changes in policies, ethical narratives and ideological shifts (principally the rise of nationalism) were highly influential in determining the scale and type of ICAs in successive years.

Practical implications

This paper concluded that China: US ICA is likely to continue only in small numbers with older and special needs children. However, China: US adoptions provide some examples of “best practice”. Understanding the interplay of factors explored theoretically in this study may guide future ICA arrangements between other country pairs.

Originality/value

Although a range of data has been collected on China: US ICA over a number of years, no systematic attempt has been made to link changes in those data to changes in the legal, social or cultural climate in which such adoptions take place. As well as providing new insights into the dynamics of ICA, the paper develops an original method which could be applied to parallel arrangements between other countries.
Antecedents of tourist loyalty to tourist destinations: a mediated-moderation study
Authors: Bhat Suhail Ahmad , Darzi Mushtaq Ahmad
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of destination image on satisfaction level and tourist loyalty toward the various tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir. The study, also, attempted to investigate the mediating role of satisfaction and moderating role of gender, past experience and tourist origin in the proposed model.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried out in the state of Jammu and Kashmir spread over three divisions, i.e., Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The study employs questionnaire survey method for data collection. Purposive sampling was adopted for data collection and data analysis was carried out through exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling techniques.

Findings

The study has found that cognitive image, affective image and unique image are the significant dimensions of destination image, which in turn has a positive effect on satisfaction level and tourist loyalty. It was also found that destination image has both direct and indirect effect on tourist loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The state of Jammu and Kashmir has been badly affected by ongoing political instability, which has caused huge losses to the tourism industry. The results of the study will be helpful to policymakers in designing various strategies and programs for maximizing tourist inflow and growth of tourism industry in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Practical implications

Further, finding of the study will assist destination managers in understanding consumer behavior for promoting destination shopping activities. This will enhance tourist expenditure at destinations and thus provides direct benefits to the local economy.

Originality/value

Very little research has been conducted on moderating role of gender, past experience and tourist origin in the destination image and its association with satisfaction and tourist loyalty in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Managing destination image and quality of tourist experience are critical to induce favorable expectations of destination in the tourist’s mind.
Framing: a course introduction
Authors: Williams Ann E.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to unite framing theory with instructional practice through the introduction of a novel instructional activity.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is designed to showcase how framing theory can be used to inform educational practice.

Findings

In keeping with framing theory and effects, the exercise serves to strengthen and reinforce the investment of students. The feedback collected via the framing activity provides a means for professors to modify or re-frame course content to best meet students’ needs.

Research limitations/implications

Framing theory can be used as an effective means of developing instructional resources. Linking theory to practice within instructional design demonstrates the applied significance of framing theory, particularly within educational contexts.

Practical implications

By utilizing this activity on the first day of class, instructors can address institutional challenges posed by fluctuating enrollment. In addition, the information gathered from the activity will help instructors to cultivate a learning environment from students’ own wealth of experiences, interests and goals.

Originality/value

This paper introduces an innovative instructional activity designed to be used on the first day of a course. The primary objective of this technique is to guide students into establishing a personal connection to a course while providing a vehicle to tailor course content to students’ interests and expectations. This approach, which is not limited to a specific discipline, is a unique and effective means of uniting framing theory with instructional practice in order to develop a framework for a meaningful and memorable course.
Providing digital reference services: a Namibian case study
Authors: Uutoni Wilhelm
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate digital reference services at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the University of Namibia (UNAM) library. Two aspects were evaluated, namely, “resources” and “elements of the general digital reference model”.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a descriptive case study approach and used qualitative research methods, which comprised interviews and an observation checklist. The population consisted of librarians working at NUST and UNAM Library.

Findings

The research findings showed that these libraries used the general digital reference model in providing responses to the library users. The study established that the two libraries did not follow the International Federation of Library Associations and Reference and User Services Association standards of staffing and training of librarians working with digital reference services. The study further found that a lack of ability to fully demonstrate to users how to access various library services was one of the major problems that the librarians experienced.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to two academic libraries: UNAM and NUST.

Originality/value

The study could contribute to a better understanding of digital reference services provided by NUST and the UNAM libraries and contribute to the body of knowledge on the subject of digital reference services, especially in an African context, where few studies have been conducted on this subject. The two libraries could use the findings to improve digital reference services, plan for intervention and develop the services.
Towards a systems thinking based view for the governance of a smart city’s ecosystem
Authors: Caputo Francesco , Walletzky Leonard , Štepánek Petr
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of Smart Technologies and Big Data as relevant dimensions in affecting the emerging social and economic dynamics of society with the aim to trace possible guidelines and pathways for decision makers and researchers interested in the governance of the Smart City’s ecosystem. The increasing attention to the domain of technologies and the amazing scenario that is emerging as a consequence of the influence of Smart Technology and Big Data in everyday life require reflection upon the ways in which the world is changing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts the interpretative lens provided by the systems thinking to investigate the challenging domain of the Smart City. A qualitative and interpretative approach is adopted to reflect upon the role of technologies in everyday life.

Findings

The Smart City ecosystem is defined as a multilevel construct useful for understanding how technical and technological dimensions of the Smart City can be managed not only as supportive instruments but also as key pillars to support, facilitate and ensure an effective cognitive alignment among all the involved actors.

Originality/value

This paper provides a tangible evidence of the systems thinking contribution in analysing, understanding and managing dimensions and paths of social dynamics. A contribution to previous studies is provided with reference to systems thinking, Big Data and Smart City.
Transformational leadership and job satisfaction: the moderating effect of contingent reward
Authors: Puni Albert , Mohammed Ibrahim , Asamoah Emmanuel
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mechanisms that link transformational leadership to employee job satisfaction by examining the moderating effect of contingent reward on the relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed explanatory and cross-sectional survey design. Data were obtained from 315 bank employees and analyzed using correlational and multiple regression techniques.

Findings

The results revealed that there are positive relationships between the dimensions of transformational leadership and job satisfaction which are augmented by contingent reward. However, the relationships of idealized influence and intellectual simulation to job satisfaction are moderated by contingent reward, implying that, in the banking sector, the positive influence of these transformational leadership traits on employee job satisfaction can be enhanced by contingent reward.

Originality/value

The paper makes an important contribution to the existing organizational literature by establishing the utility of contingent reward as a moderator on the relationship between transformational leadership and employee job satisfaction in a banking sector.
Maturity transformation risk factors in Islamic banking
Authors: Mahmood Haroon , Gan Christopher , Nguyen Cuong
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Maturity transformation risk is one of the leading causes of the global financial crisis. While endorsing the new Basel III liquidity reforms, the Islamic Financial Services Board has suggested a modified NSFR ratio as a structural measure for the maturity transformation function of Islamic banks, allowing for their unique balance sheet structure. The purpose of this paper is to analyze various firm-specific and macroeconomic factors that may significantly affect the maturity transformation risk of these banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an annual data set of 55 full-fledged Islamic banks from 11 different countries over a period from 2006-2015, this study utilizes a two-step system generalized method of moments estimation technique on an unbalanced panel data.

Findings

The empirical results reveal bank size, capital, less-risky liquid assets, risky liquid assets, external funding dependence and market power as significant bank-specific factors in determining maturity transformation risk. However, the authors find no evidence for the effect of bank credit risk on maturity transformation risk in Islamic banking system.

Originality/value

This is the first study that focuses on the measurement of maturity transformation risk and its determinants in Islamic banks in a cross-country context, with regards to new liquidity regulatory requirements as proposed by Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) in conjunction with Basel III.