bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fecal microbiota transplantation brings about bacterial strain displacement in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Zou Manli , Jie Zhuye , Cui Bota , Wang Honggang , Feng Qiang , Zou Yuanqiang , Zhang Xiuqing , Yang Huanming , Wang Jian , Zhang Faming , Jia Huijue
Published: October 2018

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which is thought to have the potential to correct dysbiosis of gut microbiota, has recently been used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To elucidate the extent and principles of microbiota engraftment in IBD patients after FMT treatment, we conducted an interventional prospective cohort study. The cohort included two categories of patients: (1) patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease (CD) (Harvey-Bradshaw Index ≥ 7, n = 11, and (2) patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) (Montreal classification, S2 and S3, n = 4). All patients were treated with a single FMT (via mid-gut, from healthy donors) and follow-up visits were performed at baseline, 3 days, one week, and one month after FMT (missing time points included). At each follow-up time point, fecal samples of the participants were collected along with their clinical metadata. For comparative analysis, 10 fecal samples from 10 healthy people were included to represent the diversity level of normal gut microbiota. Additionally, the metagenomic data of 25 fecal samples from 5 individuals with metabolic syndrome who underwent autologous FMT treatment were downloaded from a previous published paper to represent natural microbiota shifts during FMT. All fecal samples underwent shotgun metagenomic sequencing.

We found that 3 days after FMT, 11 out of 15 recipients were in remission (3 out of 4 UC recipients; 8 out of 11 CD recipients). Generally, bacterial colonization was observed to be lower in CD recipients than in UC recipients at both species and strain levels. Furthermore, across species, different strains displayed disease-specific displacement advantages under two-disease status. Finally, most post-FMT species (> 80%) could be properly predicted (AUC > 85%) using a random forest classification model, with the gut microbiota composition and clinical parameters of pre-FMT recipients acting as the most contributive factors for prediction accuracy.
The Infectious Bronchitis Virus Coronavirus Envelope Protein Alters Golgi pH to Protect Spike Protein and Promote Release of Infectious Virus
Authors: Westerbeck Jason W. , Machamer Carolyn E.
Published: October 2018

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are important human pathogens with significant zoonotic potential. Progress has been made toward identifying potential vaccine candidates for highly pathogenic human CoVs, including use of attenuated viruses that lack the CoV envelope (E) protein or express E mutants. However, no approved vaccines or anti-viral therapeutics exist. CoVs assemble by budding into the lumen of the early Golgi prior to exocytosis. The small CoV E protein plays roles in assembly, virion release, and pathogenesis. CoV E has a single hydrophobic domain (HD), is targeted to Golgi membranes, and has cation channel activityin vitro. The E protein from the avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) has dramatic effects on the secretory system, which requires residues in the HD. Mutation of the HD of IBV E during infection results in impaired growth kinetics, impaired release of infectious virions, accumulation of IBV S protein on the plasma membrane when compared IBV WT infected cells, and aberrant cleavage of IBV S on the surface of virions. We previously reported the formation of two distinct oligomeric pools of IBV E in transfected and infected cells. Disruption of the secretory pathway by IBV E correlates with a form that is likely monomeric, suggesting that the effects on the secretory pathway are independent of E ion channel activity. Here, we present evidence suggesting that the monomeric form of IBV E correlates with a rise in the pH of the Golgi lumen. We demonstrate that infection with IBV induces neutralization of Golgi luminal pH, promoting a model in which IBV E alters the secretory pathway through interaction with host cells factors, protecting IBV spike protein (S) from premature cleavage and leading to the efficient release of infectious virus from the cells.
Compressing Streams of Phylogenetic Trees
Authors: Trefzer Axel , Stamatakis Alexandros
Published: October 2018

Bayesian Markov-Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods for phylogenetic tree inference, that is, inference of the evolutionary history of distinct species using their molecular sequence data, typically generate large sets of phylogenetic trees. The trees generated by the MCMC procedure are samples of the posterior probability distribution that MCMC methods approximate. Thus, they generate a stream of correlated binary trees that need to be stored. Here, we adapt state-of-the art algorithms for binary tree compression to phylogenetic tree data streams and extend them to also store the required meta-data. On a phylogenetic tree stream containing 1, 000 trees with 500 leaves including branch length values, we achieve a compression rate of 5.4 compared to the uncompressed tree files and of 1.8 compared to bzip2-compressed tree files. For compressing the same trees, but without branch length values, our compression method is approximately an order of magnitude better than bzip2. A prototype implementation is available at https://github.com/axeltref/tree-compression.git.
Evidence for Bias of Genetic Ancestry in Resting State Functional MRI
Authors: Altmann Andre , Mourao-Miranda Janaina
Published: October 2018

Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) is a popular imaging modality for mapping the functional connectivity of the brain. Rs-fMRI is, just like other neuroimaging modalities, subject to a series of technical and subject level biases that change the inferred connectivity pattern. In this work we predicted genetic ancestry from rs-fMRI connectivity data at very high performance (area under the ROC curve of 0.93). Thereby, we demonstrated that genetic ancestry is encoded in the functional connectivity pattern of the brain at rest. Consequently, genetic ancestry constitutes a bias that should be accounted for in the analysis of rs-fMRI data.
The ion channelppk301controls freshwater egg-laying in the mosquitoAedes aegypti
Authors: Matthews Benjamin J. , Younger Meg A. , Vosshall Leslie B.
Published: October 2018

Aedes aegyptimosquitoes are deadly vectors of arboviral pathogens including Zika, dengue, and yellow fever, and breed in containers of freshwater associated with human habitation1,2. FemaleAe. aegyptilay eggs near freshwater because larval and pupal stages are aquatic3. They use volatile cues to locate water at a distance4, while at close-range they contact water to evaluate its suitability for egg-laying4–7. High salinity is lethal to mosquito offspring and therefore correctly laying eggs in freshwater is a crucial parenting decision made by female mosquitoes. Here we show that the DEG/ENaC channel8–10ppk301is required for mosquitoes to exploit freshwater egg-laying substrates. Whenppk301mutant females contact water, they do not lay eggs as readily as wild-type animals and are more likely to make aberrant decisions between freshwater and saltwater at concentrations that impair offspring survival. We used a CRISPR-Cas9-based genetic knock-in strategy combined with the Q-binary transactivator system11to build genetic tools for labelling and imaging neurons in the mosquito. We found thatppk301is expressed in sensory neurons in legs and proboscis, appendages that directly contact water, and thatppk301-expressing neurons project to central taste centres. Using in vivo calcium imaging with the genetically-encoded calcium sensor GCaMP6s12, we found thatppk301-expressing cells respond to water but, unexpectedly, also to salt. This suggests thatppk301is instructive for egg-laying at low salt concentrations but that appk301-independent pathway is responsible for inhibiting egg-laying at high salt concentrations. Water is a key resource for insect survival and understanding how mosquitoes interact with water to control different behaviours is an opportunity to study the evolution of chemosensory systems. The new genetic tools described here will enable direct study of not only egg-laying, but also other behaviours in mosquitoes that influence disease transmission and enable comparative studies of insect biology more broadly.
Treatment Outcome of Diabetic Ketoacidosis Among Patients Atending General Hospital in North-West Ethiopia: Hospital Based Study
Authors: Abegaz Tadesse Melaku , Mekonnen Gizework Alemnew , Gebreyohannes Eyob Alemayehu , Gelaye Kasssahun Alemu
Published: October 2018

Background

Diabetic ketoacidosis is an acute life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. There was limited data on level of in-hospital mortality, hospital stay and factors associated with length of hospital stay among diabetic patients admitted to diabetic ketoacidosis at Debretabor General Hospital.

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality of diabetic ketoacidosis patients and to assess determinants of long hospital stay among diabetic patients admitted with Diabetic ketoacidosis at Debretabor General Hospital.

Method

A retrospective study was conducted at Debretabor General Hospital from June 1to 30, 2018. Participants included in the study were all diabetic patients with diabetic ketoacidosis admitted to the hospital from August 2010 to May 31, 2018 whose medical records contained complete pertinent data. The primary outcome was to determine the length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality of diabetic ketoacidosis patients. All the statistical data was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics was presented using means with standard deviation and percentages.

Result

A total of 387 patients’ medical records contained pertinent complete information included in this study. Mean age of the patients was 33.30± 14.96 years. The majority of patients were females 244 (63.0%). The mean length of hospital stay was 4.64(±2.802) days. About twenty percent 79(20.41%) patients had long hospital stay (>7days). The majority 370 (95.60%) of patients improved and discharged and 17 (4.40%) patients died in the hospital. patients who had mild DKA; AOR: 0.16 [0.03-0.78] and patients between the age of 35-44years, AOR: 0.125[0.017-0.92] had reduced length of hospital stay. further, patients with DKA precipitated by infection were 4.59 times more likely to have long hospital stay than patients with DKA precipitated by unknown causes; AOR 4.59[1.08-19.42].

Conclusions

In the current study, the mean length of hospital stay was around five days. About twenty percent patients had long hospital stay. Nearly ninety five percent of patientsimproved and discharged. The presence of infection, frequent rebound hyperglycemia and severity of DKA were the major determinants of long hospital stay.
Balancing selection at a premature stop mutation in themyostatingene underlies a recessive leg weakness syndrome in pigs
Authors: Matika Oswald , Robledo Diego , Pong-Wong Ricardo , Bishop Stephen C. , Riggio Valentina , Finlayson Heather , Lowe Natalie R. , Hoste Annabelle E. , Walling Grant A. , Archibald Alan L. , Woolliams John A. , Houston Ross D.
Published: October 2018

Balancing selection provides a plausible explanation for the maintenance of deleterious alleles at moderate frequency in livestock, including lethal recessives exhibiting heterozygous advantage in carriers. In the current study, a leg weakness syndrome causing mortality of piglets in a commercial line showed monogenic recessive inheritance, and a region on chromosome 15 associated with the syndrome was identified by homozygosity mapping. Whole genome resequencing of cases and controls identified a mutation coding for a premature stop codon within exon 3 of the porcineMyostatin (MSTN)gene, similar to those causing a double-muscling phenotype observed in several mammalian species. TheMSTNmutation was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the population at birth, but significantly distorted amongst animals still in the herd at 110 kg, due to an absence of homozygous mutant genotypes. In heterozygous form, theMSTNmutation was associated with a major increase in muscle depth and decrease in fat depth, suggesting that the deleterious allele was maintained at moderate frequency due to heterozygous advantage. Knockout of the porcineMSTNby gene editing has previously been linked to problems of low piglet survival and lameness. ThisMSTNmutation is an example of putative balancing selection in livestock, providing a plausible explanation for the lack of disrupting MSTN mutations in pigs despite many generations of selection for lean growth.
Tumor pre-conditioning of draining lymph node stroma by lactic acid
Authors: Riedel Angela , Swietlik Jonathan , Shorthouse David , Haas Lisa , Young Tim , Costa Ana S H , Davidson Sarah , Pedro Luisa , Oskarsson Thordur , Hall Benjamin A , Frezza Christian , Shields Jacqueline
Published: October 2018

Communication between tumors and the stroma of tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) exists before metastasis arises, altering structure and function of the TDLN niche. Transcriptional profiling of fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs), the dominant stromal population of the LN, revealed reprogramming of these cells in immune related pathways, but also in fibroblast activation and mitochondrial function. However, tumor derived factors driving the changes in FRCs remained to be identified. Taking an unbiased approach, we show that lactate, a metabolite released by cancer cells, elicits upregulation of Pdpn and Thy1 in FRCs of TDLNs, making them akin to activated fibroblasts found at the primary tumor site. Furthermore, we show that tumor-derived lactate alters mitochondrial function of FRCs of TDLNs. Thus, our results demonstrate a novel mechanism by which a tumor-derived metabolite modulates the function of fibroblasts in TDLNs.
Computer simulations of X-ray spherical wave dynamical diffraction in one and two crystals in the Laue case
Authors: Kohn V. G. , Smirnova I. A.
Published: October 2018

This article reports computer simulations of X-ray spherical wave dynamical diffraction in one and two single crystals in the Laue case. An X-ray compound refractive lens (CRL) as a secondary radiation source of spherical waves was considered for the first time and in contrast to previous simulations with the assumption of the use of a slit. The main properties of the CRL as a secondary source are discussed and two focusing phenomena are analysed. The first one is the diffraction focusing effect for one single crystal in the reflected beam and in the case of a large source-to-detector distance. The second one is the same but for two single crystals and for the twice-reflected beam in the case of a short distance between the source and detector. The first effect is well pronounced in the case of strong absorption. However, it may also be used as an element of an energy spectrometer in the medium and even weak absorption case. The second effect will appear in the case of weak absorption. It is shown that it is not effective to use it in an energy spectrometer. In the case of weak absorption the transverse size of the diffraction focused beam will oscillate together with the reflected beam integral intensity. The oscillation period is close to the extinction length.
Experimental study of a pitching and plunging wing
Authors: Gkiolas Dimitris , Yiasemides Demetri , Mathioulakis Demetri
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The complex flow behavior over an oscillating aerodynamic body, e.g. a helicopter rotor blade, a rotating wind turbine blade or the wing of a maneuvering airplane involves combinations of pitching and plunging motions. As the parameters of the problem (Re, St and phase difference between these two motions) vary, a quasi-steady analysis fails to provide realistic results for the aerodynamic response of the moving body, whereas this study aims to provide reliable experimental data.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, a pitching and plunging mechanism was designed and built in a subsonic closed-circuit wind tunnel as well as a rectangular aluminum wing of a 2:1 aspect-ratio with a NACA64-418 airfoil, used in wind turbine blades. To measure the pressure distribution along the wing chord, a number of fast responding transducers were embedded into the mid span wing surface. Simultaneous pressure measurements were conducted along the wing chord for the Reynolds number of 0.85 × 106 for both steady and unsteady cases (pitching and plunging). A flow visualization technique was used to detect the flow separation line under steady conditions.

Findings

Elevated pressure fluctuations coincide with the flow separation line having been detected through surface flow visualization and flattened pressure distributions appear downstream of the flow separation line. Closed hysteresis loops of the lift coefficient versus angle of attack were measured for combined pitching and plunging motions.

Practical implications

The experimental data can be used for improvement of unsteady fluid mechanics problem solvers.

Originality/value

In the present study, a new installation was built allowing the aerodynamic study of oscillating wings performing pitching and plunging motions with prescribed frequencies and phase lags between the two motions. The experimental data can be used for improvement of computational fluid dynamics codes in case that the examined aerodynamic body is oscillating.
A BIM–LCA integration technique to embodied carbon estimation applied on wall systems in Brazil
Authors: Crippa Julianna , Boeing Letícia Cavassin , Caparelli Ana Paula Angonese , da Costa Marienne do Rocio de Mello Maron , Scheer Sergio , Araujo Aline Medeiros Ferreira , Bem Diogo
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Aiming to simplify the extraction of embodied carbon data using a building information modeling (BIM) software, the purpose of this paper is to present a framework that integrates BIM and life cycle assessment (LCA), which are useful to the architecture, engineer and construction (AEC) industry. As a further purpose, this study also tests four different wall systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies design science research and it presents a framework that integrates BIM and LCA. For analysis and validation, a case study features four different wall systems costs based on the Brazilian context. In the proposed framework, SimaPro8 accomplishes the LCA, while ArchiCAD 19 the modeling.

Findings

The first analysis covers embodied carbon and the second covers the total cost of each m² of wall. The proposed framework performs well, and it is effective in the Brazilian context. Concerning the walls, the wood frame system is the most sustainable option within this analysis and the most financially feasible option in Brazil.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to embodied carbon data analysis, ensuring that the best choice of elements and components is being used in the building project. This BIM–LCA integrated solution is valuable not only to the AEC industry and to professionals, but also to future researchers. This analysis is of great value to new ventures, since the society shows a great concern about reducing GHGs emissions.
Towards better understanding of determinants logistical factors in SMEs for cloud ERP adoption in developing economies
Authors: AL-Shboul Moh’d Anwer
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the main determinants logistical factors that have an impact on the adoption of cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing economies. By adopting the diffusion of innovation, technological, organizational and environmental model as a theoretical framework, the 14 factors examined in this study are as follows: relative advantage (RA), compatibility, complexity, value creation, technology readiness (TR), security concerns, technical barriers, top management support (TMS), enterprise readiness (ER), enterprise size (ES), enterprise status, competitive advantage, government support and infrastructure/telecommunication.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 131 respondents’ senior executives and IT managers in SMEs in developing economies (Jordan, Lebanon, King Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Emirates, Egypt, Oman, Kuwait and Turkey). A web-based survey questionnaire was used for data collection process. The research framework and the derived hypotheses were tested by logistic regression analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that compatibility, TR, technical barriers, TMS, ER, ES and competitive pressure have a significant effect on the adoption of cloud ERP. This conclusion can be utilized in enhancing the strategies for approaching ERP cloud by pinpointing the reasons why some SMEs choose to adopt this technology, while others still do not go forward with this.

Originality/value

This study provides an overview and empirically shows the main determinants logistical factors that might face SMEs in the developing economies. The findings also help SMEs consider their information technologies investments when they think to adopt cloud ERP.
Organizational learning and change: can they coexist?
Authors: Watad Mahmoud
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamics of IT-enabled change and organizational learning. This research defines organizational learning in general terms as the capacity of acquiring, transferring and creating knowledge within an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

This research design represents a common form of ex-post facto analysis, in which the exploration of relationships between variables is the main focus. The questionnaire used in the first phase was self-administered in a report format, wherein managers were asked to describe the organizational context and problems; the IT intervention or managers’ response to the problems; and the benefits that resulted from the introduction of IT. In the follow-up phase, the interviews used a similar version of the survey, focusing on the same themes.

Findings

This paper contends that IT-enabled change such as process redesign and productivity improvements do not take place simultaneously with an organization’s attempts to increase its knowledge base or its capacity to acquire knowledge. Organizations alter processes and re-engineer their operations to improve productivity, not to enhance their knowledge-acquiring and decision-making capacities. It seems that the attention structure of managers may be limited and, therefore, they cannot focus on improving both ends simultaneously. This may suggest that when an organization alters its processes, it may overlook its ability to acquire knowledge and its learning capacity at least for the short term.

Originality/value

The findings of this study can serve as important insights regarding managers’ work practices. Findings support a pragmatic view where managers are concerned with showing immediate gains through the introduction of IT which implies a lack of long-term planning. The findings also can serve as an important lesson to managers in that when they alter organizational processes, they should not overlook the issues of organizational learning and knowledge creation. The findings highlight the complexity of organizations and the conflicting objectives which organizations may attempt to achieve when engaging in change efforts such as the adoption of new technologies.
Offshoring language-sensitive services: a case study
Authors: Bjørge Anne Kari , Whittaker Sunniva
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on corporate communication issues that arise when a company offshores language-sensitive services to a country which does not have a workforce with the required language skills. It explores the consequences of adopting a total immersion policy and annual testing regime to build and maintain linguistic competence among the workforce, with regard to motivation, challenges and coping strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach adopted was semi-structured interviews with management and employee representatives, interviewed separately. The interviews were transcribed and submitted to content analysis, supported by relevant company information.

Findings

The company’s language policy has generated a user environment where language proficiency is developed in corporate interaction, and where the workforce is motivated by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Strategic decisions relating to language policy need to take the workforce’s input into account to discuss the testing regime with a view to test content and relevance.

Research limitations/implications

The findings relate to a limited material of 6 interviews with 14 interviewees in total.

Practical implications

The paper focusses on how to strike a balance between developing the skills needed to perform job tasks and preparing for new more complex tasks without demotivating the workforce. The conclusion sets out managerial implications.

Social implications

The paper contributes to understanding the dynamics of working in a multilingual context.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge the specificities of offshoring of language-sensitive services with regard to motivation and coping strategies have not been explored previously. The fact that the services in question have to be carried out in a minor language and that a total immersion strategy has been adopted also represents something new.
Chinese leader-follower flexible interactions at varying leader distances
Authors: Du Yishan , Xu Liguo , Xi You Min , Ge Jing
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the Chinese leader–follower interaction model in school cases considering followers’ effect at varying social distances.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a case study approach.

Findings

First, Chinese leader–follower interactions in school cases are flexible in practice. Second, within leader–follower flexible interactions, contradictory perceptions and field-of-work consciousness foster different behavior choices between leaders and followers. Third, perceptions concerning the proximity of leaders to followers are positively influenced in relation to hierarchical distinctions and negatively influenced owing to private connections. Finally, the perceived leader distance of leaders from followers further influences the contradictory perceptions and field-of-work consciousness of leaders and followers and positively influences the degree of flexible leader–follower interaction.

Research limitations/implications

This study examined a single institution; hence, results may have been influenced by school-specific features and conditions. Future research should study more organizations to explore whether their unique characteristics and contexts could affect leader–follower interactions, thus providing more generalized and universally applicable conclusions.

Originality/value

First, this study proposed a leader–follower flexible interaction model in school cases and the concepts of field-of-work consciousness and contradictory perceptions, exploring the active effects of followers in the leadership process to offer guidance toward better understanding the leadership process. Second, it was found that private connections between leaders and followers, as well as hierarchical differences, influenced the perceptions of both leaders and followers concerning leader distance in a Chinese context, and the influence of leader distance on leader–follower interactions was also analyzed.
360 degree immersive videos: a way to improve organizational learning practices
Authors: Lau Kung Wong , Lee Pui Yuen , He Min Ying
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of immersive situated learning with adoption of 360-degree videos in organizational learning improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi-experimental research method was used to investigate employees’ learning achievement. A criterion-referenced assessment scale was chosen to exam their learning progress on Omni-channel retailing practices and knowledge after 12 h in four weeks, from four perspectives including professional knowledge, problem-solving, independent learning, and critical reflection.

Findings

The result shows us the significant enhancement of employees’ learning outcomes when using virtual reality (VR), compared with traditional apprenticeship practices.

Originality/value

This study reinforces the opinion that situated learning approaches with 360-degree videos evoke employees to explore new learning behaviors and experience and make proactive adjustments on their own learning pace, based on the view from prior study that VR in situated learning can enrich learning experience.
Re-using Open Government Data (OGD) published by the Election Commission of India (ECI)
Authors: Saxena Stuti
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The paper aims to “re-use” the Open Government Data (OGD) published by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Bihar’s performance across General Elections, 2014, and Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections, 2015, is compared, wherein the role of contestants’ demographic profiles in determining their vote share is being investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses are derived based on the impact of contestants’ demographic profiles (age, marital status, social category, political party affiliation, educational qualification, availing telephone and email facility, criminal antecedents) on their vote share. Following a quantitative approach, multiple regression and logistic regression are used to draw inferences from the data contestants’ affidavits – sourced from the ECI website.

Findings

Results show that contestants’ demographic profiles impact their vote share in the elections. While the ECI website is a viable source for re-using the data available there, data are not available in a user-friendly format and this leads to difficulty in being re-used by different stakeholders.

Originality/value

Academic research on OGD re-use is negligible, and the present study seeks to contribute towards extant literature by underlining the significance of re-using OGD by drawing inferences from the data accessible via ECI.
Buoyancy-induced flow and heat transfer in multilayered cavities with openings
Authors: Wang Jiaolin , Zhou Ye , Deng Qi-Hong
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the flow interaction between the cavities and its impact on heat transfer. The role of the openings is examined and three strategies are considered: one opening, two openings on single side and two openings on double sides.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-dimensional laminar natural convection heat transfer in multilayered open cavities was numerically investigated. The governing equations in primitive variables were discretized by the finite volume method and solved by SIMPLE algorithm.

Findings

The results show that for the cavities with one opening, the flow in the cavities is connected with each other. The exhaust hot fluid from the lower cavity was entrained into the upper cavities by thermal buoyancy and hence the heat transfer in the upper cavities was decreased because of thermal accumulation. Two openings on the single side could strengthen the flow interaction between the cavities and then enhance the heat transfer. However, the double-sided openings eliminated the flow interaction between the cavities and thus the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics in all cavities are independent. It was concluded that the flow interaction between the multilayered open cavities has an importance effect on the heat transfer in the cavities.

Originality/value

The flow interaction between the multilayered open cavities was illustrated. The effect of flow interaction on the heat transfer in the cavities was investigated. The role of openings in the flow interaction and heat transfer in cavities was explored. The cavity below affects above cavity for the openings on single side. No interaction exists between the cavities with openings on double sides.
Importance-performance ratings of corporate social responsibility practices by employees in Macao’s gaming industry
Authors: Huang Guihai , To Wai Ming
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Employees play a significant role in implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. This paper aims to examine the perceived importance of CSR practices and identifies improvement areas of CSR practices using the importance-performance analysis from Macao’s casino employees’ perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review of CSR in the hospitality industry and ISO 26000, a comprehensive set of CSR practices including responsible gaming practices was identified. Data were collected from 298 casino employees. Importance-performance analysis as well as exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were used to identify important CSR practices and the factor structure of CSR in Macao’s gaming industry.

Findings

Employees rated “providing good wages and health insurance” as the most important practice, followed by “creating a health and safe working environment” and “be fair and honest with employees.” The importance-performance analysis shows that employees perceived their firms performing well in “providing good wages and health insurance,” “protecting consumer data and consumer privacy” and “providing good consumer service and support.” The results of confirmatory factor analysis indicate that CSR in Macao’s gaming industry encompasses seven factors, namely, “Labor Practices,” “The Environment,” “Fair Operating Practices,” “Consumer Issues,” “Human Rights,” “Community Involvement” and “Responsible Gaming”.

Originality/value

Casino employees shape customer experience, recognizing and understanding how employees view CSR practices can help casino operators refine their CSR initiatives.
Influence of geometric parameters of the rotary hook on interaction of its elements in high-speed modes sewing machine
Authors: Manziuk Eduard
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the analytical model of the rotary hook geometric parameters’ interconnections, which allows determining the characteristic modes of interaction of its elements. In this study, the interaction mechanism of the bobbin case, the rotary hook and the support finger was defined, which allows to reduce the unit vibro-impact activity.

Design/methodology/approach

As practice shows, the bobbin case sometimes turns against the rotary hook movement. This phenomenon can be used for the free passage of the needle thread. The change in the geometric parameters of the rotary assemble will allow to decrease its vibro-impact activity.

Findings

The interrelations of rotary assemble geometric parameters are established, and it is possible to determine the characteristic modes of its elements interaction and to establish a mechanism for controlling them. This allows reducing the vibro-impact activity of joint, improving friction modes and sewing technology. Criteria and values of a gap formation between the right contacting face of bobbin case and support finger protuberance are found.

Research limitations/implications

In the future, it is necessary to conduct research on the behavior of the rotary assemble elements in the frequency operating modes of the sewing machine. It is necessary to show the influence of the resonance modes of operation of the rotary hook drive on the interaction of elements.

Practical implications

The practical use of the results of the work makes it possible to reduce the vibratory impact of the shuttle, and also to create conditions for the smooth operation of the rotary hook and the bobbin case, and ensure the formation of a gap between the contacting face of bobbin case and support finger protuberance for the free passage of the needle thread. The results of the work can be used in the design of a rotary assemble with specified characteristic parameters and modes of elements interaction.

Originality/value

An analytical model of interrelations of geometric parameters of a rotating hook is developed. The characteristic modes of interaction of the rotary assemble elements were studied. The reasons for the vibro-impact activity of the rotary hook are studied. Also, the conditions under which the bobbin case will move against the direction of rotary hook rotation are determined.
The mobile phone as an argument for good governance in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Asongu Simplice , le Roux Sara , Nwachukwu Jacinta C. , Pyke Chris
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present theoretical and empirical arguments for the role of mobile telephony in promoting good governance in 47 sub-Saharan African countries for the period 2000–2012.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical inquiry uses an endogeneity-robust GMM approach with forward orthogonal deviations to analyze the linkage between mobile phone usage and the variation in three broad governance categories – political, economic and institutional.

Findings

Three key findings are established: first, in terms of individual governance indicators, mobile phones consistently stimulated good governance by the same magnitude, with the exception of the effect on the regulation component of economic governance. Second, when indicators are combined, the effect of mobile phones on general governance is three times higher than that on the institutional governance category. Third, countries with lower levels of governance indicators are catching-up with their counterparts with more advanced dynamics.

Originality/value

The study makes both theoretical and empirical contributions by highlighting the importance of various combinations of governance indicators and their responsiveness to mobile phone usage.
Parental rejection and antisocial behavior: the moderating role of testosterone
Authors: Woeckener Matthias , Boisvert Danielle L. , Cooke Eric M. , Kavish Nicholas , Lewis Richard H. , Wells Jessica , Armstrong Todd A. , Connolly Eric J. , Harper James M.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Research reports a positive relationship between parental rejection and antisocial behavior in adolescents and young adults. Studies also report a positive association between testosterone and antisocial behavior. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether testosterone moderates the influence of parental rejection on antisocial behavior in a sample of young adults.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study analyzed a sample of undergraduate students (N=322) to examine the interaction between testosterone and parental rejection in the prediction of antisocial behavior. Multivariate ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used to explore this association.

Findings

Results from OLS regression models revealed that parental rejection and testosterone were independently associated with antisocial behavior and that the effect of parental rejection on antisocial behavior was stronger at higher levels of testosterone.

Originality/value

This current study is the first to examine how testosterone conditions the influence of parental rejection on antisocial behavior in young adults. Findings from the study add to the growing body of literature examining the interplay between biological and environmental factors.
Professional self-efficacy for responding to child abuse presentations
Authors: Fraser Jennifer Anne , Flemington Tara , Thi Ngoc Doan Diep , Hoang Van Minh Tu , Doan Binh Thi Le , Ha Tuan Manh
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to validate measures of professional self-efficacy for detecting and responding to child abuse and neglect presentations, and then evaluate a clinical training programme for health professionals in a tertiary-level hospital in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

A prospective, cohort design was used and professional self-efficacy was measured immediately prior to, and shortly after, training 116 nurses and doctors in emergency settings. Longer-term follow-up was measured six months later.

Findings

Linear mixed modelling showed that there was a statistically significant improvement in efficacy expectations for both suspected and known cases of child abuse and neglect between the pre- and post-test measures at zero and six weeks. These improvements did not persist to the six-month follow-up.

Research limitations/implications

The training succeeded in improving detection and clinical response to child abuse and neglect presentations but not faith in the provision of ongoing support for children and families.

Practical implications

Practice change in emergency settings in Vietnam can be achieved using a sustainable theoretically driven training programme.

Social implications

Building the capacity of health professionals to respond to cases of child abuse and neglect relies on the strength of the community and support services within which the hospital is located.

Originality/value

Measures of self-efficacy expectations and outcome expectations for responding to child abuse and neglect presentations in emergency settings in Vietnam are now validated.
Globalization, role of institutions and economic performance in Indian economy
Authors: Sehrawat Madhu , Giri A.K.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Using time series data for the period 1982-2016, this study aims to explore the effect of globalization, institutional quality on economic performance for Indian economy by endogenizing financial development.

Design/methodology/approach

The stationarity properties of the variables are tested by Saikkonen and Lütkepohl unit root test, and the co-integration test proposed by Bayer–Hanck (2013) is used to check the long- and short-run relationship among the variables. The robustness is established by autoregressive distributed lag approach (ARDL), and the Granger causality test is used to assess the causal relationship among the variables.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate the existence of the co-integrating relationship among the variables, and the ARDL estimates reveal that both globalization and institutional quality act as important key drivers for India’s economic performance. However, the institutional quality does not affect the short-run economic growth.

Research limitations/implications

The study finds that institutional quality and globalization index are crucial to accelerate economic performance. Therefore, policy efforts should be focused on the improvement of these indicators by offering protection of property rights, reduction in government corruption, reducing political instability, price stability and stable macroeconomic environment. This study recommends that policy should be geared toward development of financial sector, promotion of financial integration, which will create the environment for the efficient allocation of credit.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical support for the proposition that both globalization and institutional quality matter for India’s emerging economic growth by taking account of the structural break.
Measuring the effects of service quality by using CARTER model towards customer satisfaction, trust and loyalty in Indonesian Islamic banking
Authors: Fauzi Abu Amar , Suryani Tatik
Published: October 2018

Purpose

There are two primary objectives of the research. Firstly, the study aims to explore the service quality dimension of Indonesian Islamic banking using a CARTER model. Secondly, the study aims to examine the relationship of service quality towards customer satisfaction, trust and loyalty in Indonesian Islamic banking.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual framework of the study will be examined using the PLS–SEM approach. Then, it will be examined using the 392 collected data from Indonesian Islamic banking customer in Surabaya.

Findings

Reliability becomes a key driver of customer satisfaction towards Indonesian Islamic banking. Then, customer loyalty will improve more significant if the Indonesian Islamic bank can firstly improve its customers trust.

Research limitations/implications

The research results are questionable to represents Indonesia in general because all the sample of the research is Islamic banking customers in Surabaya, East Java Province.

Practical implications

Updating with the newest technology in delivering integrated products or services will lead Indonesian Islamic banking satisfying its customer more. Then, Indonesia Islamic banking should develop the capability of human resources related to banking skills and understanding of Islamic principles to increase customer trust.

Originality/value

This research is essential in complementing the previous research regarding the level of contribution of compliance in Indonesia Islamic banking. Then, the research discusses how compliance becomes an essential part of service quality that could increase the market share of Indonesian Islamic banking by enhancing the level of customer trust.
Exploring consumer boycott intelligence towards Israel-related companies in Malaysia
Authors: Hamzah Hanizah , Mustafa Hasrina
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Drawing on the transtheoretical model (TTM) into the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) framework, this study aims to understand the factors affecting the intention of Malaysian consumers to boycott products and services from companies perceived to be supporting or funding Israel and identify specific TPB variables that are important at each stage of change.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected were based on an online survey among 177 respondents working in Malaysian conglomerates based in Kuala Lumpur.

Findings

The results show moderate intention to participate in the boycott among the respondents with attitude towards boycott, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control of boycott have significant relationship with intention to participate in the boycott towards Israel. The study also found significant linear increases of TPB constructs across the stages of change, which indicated significant influence of all TPB constructs at each stage of change.

Originality/value

Consumer boycott is not unheard of in Malaysia, but empirical research in the area is still lacking. As markets expand, the consumers also evolve to become more knowledgeable and ethical in their consumption, sometimes choosing to boycott to coerce the companies or brands to be environmentally, ethically and socially responsible. Findings from this study are expected to benefit NGOs or associations that intend to develop more effective campaigns to encourage consumers to use boycott to drive social or ethical causes.