bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptation to infectious disease exposure in indigenous Southern African populations
Authors: Owers Katharine A. , Sjödin Per , Schlebusch Carina M. , Skoglund Pontus , Soodyall Himla , Jakobsson Mattias
Published: April 2017

Genetic analyses can provide information about human evolutionary history that cannot always be gleaned from other sources. We evaluated evidence of selective pressure due to introduced infectious diseases in the genomes of two indigenous southern African San groups—the ‡Khomani who had abundant contact with other people migrating into the region and the more isolated Ju|’hoansi. We used a dual approach to test for increased selection on immune genes compared with the rest of the genome in these groups. First, we calculated summary values of statistics that measure genomic signatures of adaptation to contrast selection signatures in immune genes and all genes. Second, we located regions of the genome with extreme values of three selection statistics and examined these regions for enrichment of immune genes. We found stronger and more abundant signals of selection in immune genes in the ‡Khomani than in the Ju|’hoansi. We confirm this finding within each population to avoid effects of different demographic histories of the two populations. We identified eight immune genes that have potentially been targets of strong selection in the ‡Khomani, whereas in the Ju|’hoansi, no immune genes were found in the genomic regions with the strongest signals of selection. We suggest that the more abundant signatures of selection at immune genes in the ‡Khomani could be explained by their more frequent contact with immigrant groups, which likely led to increased exposure and adaptation to introduced infectious diseases.
APOBEC-mediated mutagenesis in urothelial carcinoma is associated with improved survival, mutations in DNA damage response genes, and immune response
Authors: Glaser Alexander P. , Fantini Damiano , Rimar Kalen J. , Meeks Joshua J.
Published: April 2017

Background

The APOBEC family of enzymes is responsible for a mutation signature characterized by a TCW>T/G mutation. APOBEC-mediated mutagenesis is implicated in a wide variety of tumors, including bladder cancer. In this study, we explore the APOBEC mutational signature in bladder cancer and the relationship with specific mutations, molecular subtype, gene expression, and survival. We hypothesized that tumors with high levels of APOBEC-mediated mutagenesis would be enriched for mutations in DNA damage response genes and associated with higher expression of genes related to activation of the immune system.

Methods

Gene expression (n=408) and mutational (n=395) data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) bladder urothelial carcinoma provisional dataset was utilized for analysis. Tumors were split into “APOBEC-high” and “APOBEC-low” tumors based on APOBEC enrichment score. Analysis was performed with R.

Findings

Patients with APOBEC-high tumors have better overall survival compared to those with APOBEC-low tumors (38.2 vs 18.5 months, p=0.005). Tumors enriched for APOBEC mutagenesis are more likely to have mutations in DNA damage response genes (TP53, ATR, BRCA2), and chromatin regulatory genes (MLL, MLL3), while APOBEC-low tumors are more likely to have mutations inFGFR3andKRAS. APOBEC3AandAPOBEC3Bexpression correlates with total mutational burden, regardless of bladder tumor molecular subtype. APOBEC mutagenesis and enrichment is associated with increased expression of immune-related genes, including interferon signaling.

Interpretation

Tumors enriched for APOBEC mutagenesis are more likely to have mutations in DNA damage response genes and chromatin regulatory genes, potentially providing more single-strand DNA substrate forAPOBEC3AandAPOBEC3B, leading to a hypermutational phenotype and the subsequent immune response.

Highlights

ABPOEC enzymes, particularlyAPOBEC3AandAPOBEC3B, are responsible for the predominant pattern of mutagenesis in bladder cancer

Tumors enriched for APOBEC-mediated mutagenesis are more likely to have mutations in DNA damage response genes and chromatin regulatory genes, while tumors not enriched for APOBEC-mediated mutagenesis are more likely to have mutations inKRASandFGFR3

APOBEC enrichment is associated with upregulation of genes involved in the immune response
High ambient temperature facilitates the acquisition of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) self-administration
Authors: Aarde Shawn. M. , Huang Pai-Kai , Taffe Michael A.
Published: April 2017

Rationale

MDMA alters body temperature in rats with a direction that depends on the ambient temperature (TA). The thermoregulatory effects of MDMA and TAmay affect intravenous self-administration (IVSA) of MDMA but limited prior reports conflict.

Objective

To determine how body temperature responses under high and low TAinfluence MDMA IVSA.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to IVSA MDMA (1.0 mg/kg/infusion; 2-hr sessions; FR5 schedule of reinforcement) under TA20°C or 30°C. Radiotelemetry transmitters recorded body temperature and activity during IVSA.

Results

MDMA intake increased under both TAduring acquisition, but to a greater extent in the 30°C group. The magnitude of hypothermia was initially equivalent between groups but diminished over training in the 30°C group. Within-session activity was initially lower in the 30° C group, but by the end of acquisition and maintenance, activity was similar for both groups. When TAconditions were swapped, the hot-trained group increased MDMA IVSA under 20 °C TAand a modest decrease in drug intake was observed in the cold-trained group under 30 °C TA. Subsequent non-contingent MDMA (1.0-5.0 mg/kg, i.v.) found that rats with higher MDMA IVSA rates showed blunted hypothermia compared with rats with lower IVSA levels; however, within-session activity did not differ by group. High TAincreased intracranial self-stimulation thresholds in a different group of rats and MDMA reduced thresholds below baseline at low, but not high, TA.

Conclusions

High TAappears to enhance acquisition of MDMA IVSA through an aversive effect and not via thermoregulatory motivation.
Phylogenetic Conflict in Bears Identified by Automated Discovery of Transposable Element Insertions in Low Coverage Genomes
Authors: Lammers Fritjof , Gallus Susanne , Janke Axel , Nilsson Maria A
Published: April 2017

Compared to sequence analyses, phylogenetic reconstruction from transposable elements (TEs) offers an additional perspective to study evolutionary processes. However, detecting phylogenetically informative TE insertions requires tedious experimental work, limiting the power of phylogenetic inference. Here, we analyzed the genomes of seven bear species using high throughput sequencing data to detect thousands of TE insertions. The newly developed pipeline for TE detection called TeddyPi (TE detection and discovery for Phylogenetic Inference) obtained 150,513 high-quality TE insertions in the genomes of ursine and tremarctine bears. By integrating different TE insertion callers and using a stringent filtering approach, the TeddyPi pipeline produced highly reliable TE insertion calls, which were confirmed by extensivein vitrovalidation experiments. Screening for single nucleotide substitutions in the flanking regions of the TEs show that these substitutions correlate with the phylogenetic signal from the TE insertions. Our phylogenomic analyses show that TEs are a major driver of genomic variation in bears and enabled phylogenetic reconstruction of a well-resolved species tree, even with strong signals for incomplete lineage sorting and introgression. The analyses show that the Asiatic black, sun and sloth bear form a monophyletic clade. TeddyPi is open source and can be adapted to various TE and structural variation callers. The pipeline makes it easy to confidently extract thousands of TE insertions even from low coverage genomes of non-model organisms, opening new possibilities for biologists to study phylogenies, evolutionary processes as well as rates and patterns of (retro-)transposition and structural variation.
PREDICTD: PaRallel Epigenomics Data Imputation with Cloud-based Tensor Decomposition
Authors: Durham Timothy J. , Libbrecht Maxwell W. , Howbert J. Jeffry , Bilmes Jeff , Stafford Noble William
Published: April 2017

The Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) and the Roadmap Epigenomics Project have produced thousands of data sets mapping the epigenome in hundreds of cell types. However, the number of cell types remains too great to comprehensively map given current time and financial constraints. We present a method, PaRallel Epigenomics Data Imputation with Cloud-based Tensor Decomposition (PREDICTD), to address this issue by computationally imputing missing experiments in collections of epigenomics experiments. PREDICTD leverages an intuitive and natural model called “tensor decomposition” to impute many experiments simultaneously. Compared with the current state-of-the-art method, ChromImpute, PREDICTD produces lower overall mean squared error, and combining methods yields further improvement. We show that PREDICTD data can be used to investigate enhancer biology at non-coding human accelerated regions. PREDICTD provides reference imputed data sets and open-source software for investigating new cell types, and demonstrates the utility of tensor decomposition and cloud computing, two technologies increasingly applicable in bioinformatics.
Uncovering the repertoire of endogenous flaviviral elements inAedesmosquito genomes
Authors: Suzuki Yasutsugu , Frangeul Lionel , Dickson Laura B. , Blanc Hervé , Verdier Yann , Vinh Joelle , Lambrechts Louis , Saleh Maria-Carla
Published: April 2017

Endogenous viral elements derived from non-retroviral RNA viruses were described in various animal genomes. Whether they have a biological function such as host immune protection against related viruses is a field of intense study. Here, we investigated the repertoire of endogenous flaviviral elements (EFVEs) inAedesmosquitoes, the vectors of arboviruses such as dengue and chikungunya viruses. Previous studies identified three EFVEs fromAe. albopictusand one fromAe. aegypticell lines. However, in-depth characterization of EFVEs in wild-type mosquito populations and individualsin vivohas not been performed. We detected the full-length DNA sequence of the previously described EFVEs and their respective transcripts in severalAe. albopictusandAe. aegyptipopulations from geographically distinct areas. However, EFVE-derived proteins were not detected by mass spectrometry. Using deep sequencing, we detected the production of piRNA-like small RNAs in antisense orientation, targeting the EFVEs and their flanking regionsin vivo. The EFVEs were integrated in repetitive regions of the mosquito genomes, and their flanking sequences varied among mosquito populations from different geographical regions. We bioinformatically predicted several new EFVEs from a VietnameseAe. albopictuspopulation and observed variation in the occurrence of those elements among mosquito populations. Phylogenetic analysis of anAe. aegyptiEFVE suggested that it integrated prior to the global expansion of the species and subsequently diverged among and within populations. Together, this study revealed substantial structural and nucleotide diversity of flaviviral integrations inAedesgenomes. Unraveling this diversity will help to elucidate the potential biological function of these EFVEs.

Importance

Endogenous viral elements (EVEs) are whole or partial viral sequences integrated in host genomes. Interestingly, some EVEs have important functions for host fitness and antiviral defense. Because mosquitoes also have EVEs in their genomes, we decided to thoroughly characterized them to lay the foundation of the potential use of these EVEs to manipulate the mosquito antiviral response. Here, we focused on EVEs related to theFlavivirusgenus, to which dengue and Zika viruses belong, inAedesmosquito individuals from geographically distinct areas. We showed the existencein vivoof flaviviral EVEs previously identified in mosquito cell lines and we detected new ones. We showed that EVEs have evolved differently in each mosquito population. They produced transcripts and small RNAs, but not proteins, suggesting a function at the RNA level. Our study uncovers the diverse repertoire of flaviviral EVEs inAedesmosquito populations and suggests a role in the host antiviral system.
Syntaxin 17 promotes lipid droplet formation by regulating the distribution of acyl-CoA synthetase 3
Authors: Kimura Hana , Arasaki Kohei , Ohsaki Yuki , Fujimoto Toyoshi , Tagaya Mitsuo
Published: April 2017

Lipid droplets (LDs) are ubiquitous organelles that contain neutral lipids and are surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer. How proteins specifically localize to the phospholipid monolayer of the LD surface has been a matter of extensive investigations. Here we show that syntaxin 17 participates in LD biogenesis by regulating the distribution of acyl-CoA synthetase 3 (ACSL3), a key enzyme for LD biogenesis that redistributes from the endoplasmic reticulum to LDs during LD formation. Time course experiments revealed that syntaxin 17 binds to ACSL3 in the initial stage of LD formation, and that ACSL3 is released as a consequence of competitive binding of SNAP23 to syntaxin 17 in the maturation stage. We propose a model in which ACSL3 redistributes from the endoplasmic reticulum to LDs through association with syntaxin 17 and SNAP23-mediated dissociation from syntaxin 17. We also provide evidence that lipid raft-like structures are important for LD formation and SNAREs-ACSL3 interactions.
Genome-wide association study and genomic predictions for resistance against Piscirickettsia salmonis in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) using ddRAD sequencing
Authors: Barría Agustín , Christensen Kris A. , Correa Katharina , Jedlicki Ana , Lhorente Jean P. , Davidson William S. , Yáñez José M.
Published: April 2017

Piscirickettsia salmonis is one of the main infectious diseases affecting coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) farming. Current treatments have been ineffective for the control of the disease. Genetic improvement for P. salmonis resistance has been proposed as a feasible alternative for the control of this infectious disease in farmed fish. Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) strategies allow genotyping hundreds of individuals with thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which can be used to perform genome wide association studies (GWAS) and predict genetic values using genome-wide information. We used double-digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing to dissect the genetic architecture of resistance against P. salmonis in a farmed coho salmon population and identify molecular markers associated with the trait. We also evaluated genomic selection (GS) models in order to determine the potential to accelerate the genetic improvement of this trait by means of using genome-wide molecular information. 764 individuals from 33 full-sib families (17 highly resistant and 16 highly susceptible) which were experimentally challenged against P. salmonis were sequenced using ddRAD sequencing. A total of 4,174 SNP markers were identified in the population. These markers were used to perform a GWAS and testing genomic selection models. One SNP related with iron availability was genome-wide significantly associated with resistance to P. salmonis defined as day of death. Genomic selection models showed similar accuracies and predictive abilities than traditional pedigree-based best linear unbiased prediction (PBLUP) method.
Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) can reverse the amyloid state of fibrin seen or induced in Parkinson’s disease: implications for its aetiology
Authors: Pretorius Etheresia , Mbotwe Sthembile , Kell Douglas B.
Published: April 2017

The thrombin-induced polymerisation of fibrinogen to form fibrin is well established as a late stage of blood clotting. In recent work, we showed that the presence of tiny amounts of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) could cause these clots to adopt an amyloid form, that could be observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or via the fluorescence of thioflavin-T. This could be prevented by the prior addition of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP). We had also observed by SEM this unusual clotting in the blood of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). We here show that this too can be prevented by LBP, thereby implicating such inflammatory microbial cell wall products in the aetiology of the disease. This may lead to novel treatment strategies in PD designed to target microbes and their products.
A novel three-dimensional SrII coordination polymer based on benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylate: hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure and spectroscopic and thermal studies
Authors: Trifa Chahrazed , Mokhtari Samia , Bouacida Sofiane , Boudaren Chaouki , Boudraa Mhamed , Merazig Hocine
Published: April 2017

Coordination of the anions of benzenecarboxylic acids with metal cations leads to coordination polymers with various structural features. Very few examples of strontium-based structures have been reported. A new three-dimensional coordination polymer, namely poly[aqua(μ12-benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylato)distrontium(II)], [Sr2(C10H2O8)(H2O)]
n
, has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by thermal analysis, vibrational spectroscopy (Raman and IR), single-crystal X-ray diffraction and powder X-ray diffraction. The coordination geometries around the two independent SrII ions can be described as a distorted dodecahedron and a distorted monocapped square antiprism. The compound features a three-dimensional structure containing inorganic motifs, with two-dimensional layers connected through organic linkers, and possesses a topologic structure of a binodal (6,12) connected alb net with the Schläfli symbol {415}2{448.618}. The final product of thermal decomposition is strontium oxide (SrO).
Forward looking vs backward looking
Authors: Gao Yanyan , Sun Jun , Zhou Qin
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the effectiveness of the credit evaluation system using the borrowing data from China’s leading P2P lending platform, Renrendai.com.

Design/methodology/approach

The current credit valuation systems are classified into the forward-looking mechanism, which judges the borrowers’ credit levels based on their uploaded information, and the backward-looking mechanism, which judges the borrowers’ credit levels based on their historical repayment performance. Probit models and Tobit models are used to examine the effectiveness of credit evaluation mechanisms.

Findings

The results show that only the “hard” information reflecting borrowers’ credit ability can explain the default risk on the platform under the forward-looking credit evaluation mechanism. The backward-looking credit evaluation mechanism (BCEM) based on the repeated borrowings produces both promise-enhancing and “fishing” incentives and thus fails to explain the default risk, and weakens the effectiveness of forward-looking credit indicators in explaining the default risk because it encourages borrowers to invest in forging forward-looking credit indicators. Additional information such as the interest rate and the repayment periods reveals borrowers’ credit and thus can also be used as a predictor of borrowers’ default risk.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that current ex ante screening based on the information collected from the borrowers or repeated borrowings is inadequate to control the default risk in P2P lending markets and thus needs be improved. Ex post monitoring and sharing on defaulter’s information should be strengthened to increase the default cost and thus to deter potential bad borrowers.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper classifying the credit evaluation system in online P2P lending market into the forward-looking type and the backward-looking type, which is important since they provide different incentives to borrowers. The paper also investigates and provides evidence on the promise-enhancing and “fishing” incentives of BCEMs.
Energy-led refurbishment of non-domestic buildings: ranking measures by attributes
Authors: Strachan Megan E. , Banfill Phil FG
Published: April 2017

Purpose

In the context of the energy-led refurbishment of traditionally constructed non-domestic buildings, the purpose of this study was to identify the attributes that professionals consider to be important in the selection of energy performance improvement measures (EPIMs) and to establish their relative importance.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based Delphi exercise was carried out to draw up a set of attributes agreed among a small panel of experts. Subsequently, a paired comparison questionnaire was completed by the experts to establish the relative importance ascribed to the attributes.

Findings

In total, 22 assessment attributes, relevant to different stages in the building’s life cycle, were agreed as important by the expert panel. Measures fell into one of three broad groups, expressed on a weighting scale of 0-100, such that the sum of the weights of all 22 measures was 100. Measures of relatively high importance (7-9 per cent) included capital cost, potential energy and carbon savings, financial payback and impact on the building’s vapor permeability. Measures of medium importance (4-5 per cent) were impact on internal air movement, loss of significant original building fabric, impact on internal layout, appearance and occupant comfort, environmental impact and availability of grants or subsidies. Eight further measures were ranked of low importance (2-3 per cent).

Originality/value

This paper is the first attempt to draw up a ranking order of the attributes of EPIMs applicable to non-domestic buildings. It confirms that more attributes must be considered by professionals with decision-making responsibility than merely cost, energy performance and payback on investment and suggests that policy instruments targeting or incentivizing a single or a restricted range of attributes risk failure to deliver the desired improvements.
Advancement of behavioral energy interventions in commercial buildings
Authors: Kosonen Heta Karoliina , Kim Amy Ahim
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify opportunities, barriers and guidelines for future research in behavioral energy interventions in commercial buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The study methodology includes a three-step screening protocol with a collection of prior publications, clustering of related studies and results and analysis of the findings of the prior studies.

Findings

The review showed that commercial energy interventions were generally successful at impacting occupant energy consumption. Most energy savings were obtained by applying comparative feedback and energy competition strategies, but the lack of long-term effect measurements prevents drawing conclusions regarding their long-term effectiveness. The authors suggest that future studies should explore the impacts that occupant characteristics, environment and community and intervention implementation have on the success of the energy intervention, and integrate these findings into the intervention design. In addition, the authors call for more discussion on the feasibility issues that researchers, policymakers and educators face when implementing these energy interventions to streamline sustainability efforts in the future.

Originality/value

Research on assessing the effectiveness of occupant behavior interventions has increased considerably over the past decade. This review includes a structured analysis of prior studies of behavioral energy interventions in commercial buildings and encompasses studies conducted between 2005 and 2015. The review is unique in that it focuses on comparing empirical studies that quantified measured energy savings.
Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA): a comparison of commercial flooring
Authors: Harris Debra , Fitzgerald Lori
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The business case for facility expenditures is grounded in the knowledge that life-cycle economics is significant to the continued viability of the facility. The aim of this study is to develop an algorithm for life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) and evaluate flooring products to inform decision makers about the long-term cost of ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

The protocol for executing an LCCA is defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, including defining the problem, identifying feasible alternatives and establishing common assumptions and parameters, as well as acquiring financial information. Data were provided by an independent third-party source.

Findings

The results of this study are twofold: assess functionally equivalent flooring alternatives to determine the best financial value and develop a replicable protocol and algorithm for LCCA. The study found that modular carpet was the best financial solution. As a tool for decision makers, this LCCA informs asset management about the long-term cost of ownership, providing a protocol for making practical, informed decisions for the lowest cost solution for functionally equivalent alternatives.

Research limitations/implications

Projecting LCCA beyond 15 years may have limited value based on potential changes in the financial climate. Further research should focus on the implications of changes in the discount rate over time and testing the algorithm on other building systems.

Practical implications

Maintenance costs are considerable when compared to initial cost of flooring. Equipment costs have a significant impact on long-term cost of ownership. Using LCCA to inform specifications and to determine the best solution for a building system such as flooring provides an evidence-based process for building design and facility management.

Social implications

Life-cycle costs have a significant impact on the financial health of an organization. Using LCCA to make informed decisions about facility design and specifications may contribute to increased financial stability and resources to benefit the organization’s long term goals.

Originality/value

This study contributes an algorithm instrument for buildings and building systems. The flooring tested with this protocol provides evidence to inform flooring selection based on lowest cost while considering other factors that inform appropriate selection of flooring materials.
Generation difference in hiring financial planners in Malaysia
Authors: Safari Meysam , Mansori Shaheen , Sesaiah Stephen
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document a gap between generation X and Y’s behavior toward decision making for hiring a professional financial planner in context of an emerging country.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on a public survey in Malaysia on the effect of five major contributing factors (namely, awareness, acceptability, affordability, accessibility and assurance) on the decision to hire a professional financial planner. The study further shed light into the difference among the influential factors among generation X and Y.

Findings

Although awareness, acceptability, affordability and assurance have demonstrated significant effect on decision making in general, their impact varies among different age groups. Results of moderation tests on the role of age suggest that for Gen X, the determinant factor is only their acceptability of the financial planning service. However, awareness, affordability, acceptability and assurance are critical factors for Gen Y respondents. In contrast to Gen Y, the Gen X respondents tend to have more awareness toward their needs for financial planning; they have gained enough experience to assess the credibility of the planner and test their assurance; and have higher earnings to afford the financial planners services.

Originality/value

Findings of this study are novel as it provide first hand picture from an emerging market in South-East Asia. Moreover, the study documents generation gap in financial decision making process.
Consumer perspectives about mobile banking adoption in India – a cluster analysis
Authors: Chawla Deepak , Joshi Himanshu
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify which factors influence mobile banking adoption and examine those factors for segmentation, using a sample of Indian consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 59 statements were identified based on a literature review, focus group discussions and personal interviews. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify the relevant factors. An online survey of 367 mobile phone users in India was conducted. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling. Appropriate statistical techniques (hierarchical cluster analysis, k-means cluster analysis) were used to segment the users. A profile of each segment was developed based on demographics, mobile banking services used, and attitude and intentions toward mobile banking. Further, a post hoc test was used to test the variation between the obtained clusters and user attitudes and intentions toward mobile banking. The demographic characteristics of users within each cluster were also examined.

Findings

Mobile users were segmented into three clusters based on their perceptions of various factors influencing mobile banking. These segments were labeled as technology adoption (TA) leaders, TA followers and TA laggards. The results show that both attitude and intentions toward mobile banking significantly differs across the three segments. In terms of relative positioning, TA leaders have the most favorable attitudes and intentions followed by TA followers, and TA laggards. Age was found to significantly influence TA and usage.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study are based on responses from young, educated and salaried Indian consumers from large metro cities. Therefore, it is important to include respondents from smaller cities and towns to be able to generalize the findings. The sample is skewed toward users having accounts with private banks and hence, a balanced representation of respondents from public and private sector banks would help in identifying gaps pertaining to each sector. In future research, attempting to compare the results with other developing and developed countries may be beneficial.

Practical implications

The results offer service providers better knowledge about typical mobile banking user segments, providing banks with ideas for customizing their services to meet customer expectations.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights into factors that influence mobile banking adoption in India, which has not been investigated. In contrast to earlier studies conducted on internet banking, this study attempts to examine the perceptions, attitudes and intentions of mobile users. Although traditional TA models and theories of technology diffusion have been used, this study attempts to tailor the model specifically for mobile banking.
The role of positioning in the retail banking industry of Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Blankson Charles , Ketron Seth , Darmoe Joseph
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate employment of positioning strategies in the retail bank sector of Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically using Ghana as the study context. In addition, it explores the applicability of western-based typology of positioning strategies in the Sub-Saharan African environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Six retail banks – three national and three foreign – are studied, each through an in-depth case study method: covert and participant observation techniques; and face-to-face interviews of chief executive officers, marketing managers, and bank branch managers provided data for the study.

Findings

The results show that the “service” positioning strategy is the most popular strategy employed by retail banks. “Value for money,” “attractiveness,” “brand name,” and “country of origin” positioning strategies are also dominant. “Top of the range” and “selectivity” strategies are minimally pursued by the sample of banks studied. The results reveal that both foreign and national retail banks employ multiple positioning strategies in the face of competition. However, foreign retail banks consistently employ a; large number of strategies relative to national retail banks. This paper supports the applicability of a western-derived set of positioning strategies in the Sub-Saharan African marketplace.

Research limitations/implications

This study closes a gap in the understanding of positioning, as well as filling the empirical gap in the application of positioning. In addition, it helps resolve a contextual gap of knowledge in Sub-Saharan Africa’s retail banking sector.

Originality/value

This study responds to Porter (1996), Clancy and Trout (2002), and Knox (2004) for continued empirical research in positioning in service industries and specifically in Sub-Saharan African economies (Coffie, 2014, 2016; Coffie and Owusu-Frimpong, 2014). Moreover, this research adds value to the banking and marketing literatures through a qualitative case study method, which is an important yet overlooked research method (Yin, 2009).
Consumer adoption of m-banking: a behavioral reasoning theory perspective
Authors: Gupta Anil , Arora Neelika
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relative influence of “reasons for” and “reasons against” adoption of mobile banking (m-banking) among Indian consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the framework of behavioral reasoning theory (BRT), hypothesized relationships between values, reasoning constructs, attitude and intentions were developed. The hypotheses were tested using a representative sample of data obtained from Indian banking consumers (n=379). Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings indicate that both “reasons for” and “reasons against” have an influence on m-banking adoption. Among the “reasons for” m-banking adoption, ubiquitous is the major determinant, and among the “reasons against” m-banking adoption, tradition barrier is the major determinant. The findings also confirm that value of “openness to change” significantly influences reasons for adoption and has no impact on reasons against and attitude toward m-banking.

Research limitations/implications

This study examines customers in only one context (i.e. India). Future research can examine samples in other countries so that the results can be generalized. Also the mediating role of demographic factors can be studied in future studies to predict m-banking adoption.

Practical implications

The findings of this study emphasize the importance of examining both the pro-adoption and anti-adoption factors while developing marketing strategy. This study confirms that m-banking adoption can be increased if managers attempt to minimize the effect of barriers of m-banking adoption.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine m-banking adoption using BRT, which investigates the reasons for and reasons against m-banking adoption in a single framework.
Factors influencing undergraduate students’ acceptance of a haptic interface for learning gross anatomy
Authors: Yeom Soonja , Choi-Lundberg Derek L. , Fluck Andrew Edward , Sale Arthur
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate factors influencing undergraduate students’ acceptance of a computer-aided learning resource using the Phantom Omni haptic stylus to enable rotation, touch and kinaesthetic feedback and display of names of three-dimensional (3D) human anatomical structures on a visual display.

Design/methodology/approach

The software was developed using the software development life cycle, and was tested by students enrolled in various bachelor degrees at three stages of development within the technology acceptance model, action research and design research methodology frameworks, using mixed methods of quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Findings

The learning system was generally well-accepted, with usefulness (72 ± 18, mean ± standard deviation, 0-100 visual analogue scale) rated higher (p< 0.001) than ease of use (57 ± 22). Ease of use ratings declined across the three versions as modules were added and complexity increased. Students with prior experience with 3D interfaces had higher intention to use the system, and scored higher on identification of anatomical structures. Students with greater kinaesthetic learning preferences tended to rate the system higher. Haptic feedback was considered the best aspect of the system, but students wanted higher spatial resolution and lower response times.

Originality/value

Previous research relating to haptic devices in medical and health sciences has largely focused on advanced trainees learning surgical or procedural skills. The present research suggests that incorporating haptic feedback into virtual anatomical models may provide useful multisensory information in learning anatomy at the undergraduate level.
Affect-based adaptation of an applied video game for educational purposes
Authors: Bontchev Boyan , Vassileva Dessislava
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify how affect-based adaptation can improve implicit recognition of playing style of individuals during game sessions. This study presents the “Rush for Gold” game using dynamic difficulty adjustment of tasks based on both player performance and affectation inferred through electrodermal activity and facial expressions of the player. The game applies linear regression for calculating playing styles to be applied for achieving a style-based adaptation in other educational video games.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental procedure included subject selection, demonstration, informed consent procedure, two game sessions in random order – one without and another with affective adaptation control – and post-game self-report. The experiment was conducted with participation of 30 master students and university lecturers in informatics.

Findings

This study presents experimental results concerning the impact of affective adaptation over playing style recognition, game session time, task’s effectiveness, efficiency and difficulty and, as well, player’s assessment of affectively adaptive gameplay obtained by an adaptation control panel embedded into the game and by post-game self-report.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed adaptive game limits recognised styles to such based on the Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory model. Another limitation of the study is the relatively small number of participants constrained by the extended experimental procedure and the desktop game version.

Originality/value

The paper presents an original research on the effect of affect-based adaptation on a novel approach for implicit recognition of playing styles.
Video lectures in e-learning
Authors: Costley Jamie , Lange Christopher Henry
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Because student viewership of video lectures serves as an important aspect of e-learning environments, video lectures should be delivered in a way that enhances the learning experience. The delivery of video lectures through diverse forms of media is a useful approach, which may have an effect on student learning, satisfaction, engagement and interest (LSEI), as well as future behavioral intentions (FBI). Furthermore, research has shown the value that LSEI has on learner achievement within online courses, as well as its value in regards to student intention to continue learning in such courses. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between media diversity, LSEI and FBI in hopes of enhancing the e-learning experience.

Design/methodology/approach

This study surveyed a group of students (n = 88) who participated in cyber university classes in South Korea to investigate the correlations between media diversity and lecture viewership, effects of lecture viewership on LSEI and FBI, effects of media diversity on LSEI and FBI as well as the correlation between LSEI and FBI.

Findings

Results show no relationship between media diversity and viewership. Both lecture viewership and media diversity were positively correlated with LSEI. However, neither media diversity nor viewership was positively correlated with FBI. Finally, LSEI was positively correlated with FBI.

Originality/value

This paper looks at how video lectures affect LSEI. Past research has generally looked at learning, satisfaction, engagement and interest as separate entities that are affected by instructional aspects of online learning. Because of their interrelationships with each other, this study combines them as one construct, making a stronger case for their combined association.
Investigation on influence of speed on rolling resistance of belt conveyor based on viscoelastic property of rubber
Authors: Yan Lu , Fu-Yan Lin
Published: April 2017

Purpose

As indentation rolling resistance accounts for the major part of the total resistance of belt conveyors, the purpose of this paper is to compute it using a proper method.

Design/methodology/approach

First, an approximate formula for computing indentation rolling resistance is offered. In this formula, a one-dimensional Winkler foundation and a three-parameter viscoelastic Maxwell solid model of the belt backing material are used to determine the resistance to the motion of a conveyor belt over idlers. The velocity of the belt is an important operating parameter in the working conditions of the belt conveyor. What is more, a set of experimental apparatus which can measure the value of indentation rolling resistance is designed.

Findings

With the help of the experimental apparatus, the authors obtained a series of measured data under different belt speeds. Finally, a computation example that is provided for a typical rubber compound backing material shows the comparison between measured results and theoretical results which offers the influence of speed on rolling resistance.

Originality/value

This study provides the design of an apparatus, and finds the relationship between belt speed and indentation rolling resistance.
Environmental performance assessment (EPA): a case study in a graphic company
Authors: Rebelato Marcelo Girotto , Saran Luciana Maria , Paulino Thiago Pereira , Rodrigues Andréia Marize
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case report involving environmental performance analysis of a big Brazilian graphic company.

Design/methodology/approach

An “environmental performance indicator” (Iepa) was developed, which is calculated taking into consideration the weighting of potential environmental impact of each residue/sub-product generated, the relative spatial dispersion which each residue/sub-product can reach and adequacy evaluation of final allocation accomplished by the company for each residue/sub-product.

Findings

Despite the evidence that the corporations emit gases generated by the burning of volatile organic compounds to the atmosphere, the result obtained is favorable to enterprise, largely, due to the adequate allocation given to industrial effluent, which is the waste with the largest share on Iepa (50.2 percent). Industrial effluent is collected by a company licensed by Environmental Sanitation Company of the state of São Paulo, which is an environmentally adequate practice. The result of Iepa=90.8 percent is explained by the large amount of CO2 emitted by the operations into the atmosphere throughout the year.

Practical implications

The method used can be applied to measure the environmental impact generated by any business of a graphic service sector.

Originality/value

The authors observed, in the specialized literature, a small number of works dealing with the environmental management of graphic sector companies, as well as methodologies for assessing the environmental performance of companies through environmental performance indicators. The originality of the work is in the developed method, which takes into account: the potential impact of each residue/sub-product generated; the amount of each residue/sub-product generated in a given time period; the dispersion that each residue/sub-product can attain; and the evaluation of eventual allocation of each residue/sub-product.
The relationship between financial attributes, environmental performance and environmental disclosure
Authors: Ahmadi Ali , Bouri Abdelfettah
Published: April 2017

Purpose

An increasing number of business organizations around the world are engaged in the accounting reporting on non-financial performance aspects, mainly within the field of environmental responsibility. The purpose of this paper is to assess the association between environmental disclosure and environmental performance and examine the financial attributes of companies using a composite disclosure index to investigate the status of the environmental disclosure practices of the top 40 companies operating in France.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample used in this study consists of the 40 largest companies operating in France (index CAC 40).

Findings

The findings of the study show that environmental disclosure is positively associated to environmental performance. Financial attributes, such as firm size, the need for capital, profitability and capital spending, are positively associated with environmental disclosure quality. Equally, a high quality of environmental disclosure will reflect the effectiveness of corporate governance and would tend to face fewer difficulties in accessing capital markets. The authors found that firms revealed on healthcare and gas oil business sector disclose more environmental information than other industries.

Originality/value

A web-based search was performed during the fourth quarter of 2014, locating the corporate websites of the sample firms. The sample period is 2011-2013 (108 firm-year observations).
Modeling and prediction of octanol/water partition coefficient of pesticides using QSPR methods
Authors: Bouakkadia Amel , Lourici Leila , Messadi Djelloul
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to predict the octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow) of 43 organophosphorous compounds.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative structure-property relationship analysis was performed on a series of 43 pesticides using multiple linear regression and support vector machines methods, which correlate the octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow) values of these chemicals to their structural descriptors. At first, the data set was randomly separated into a training set (34 chemicals) and a test set (nine chemicals) for statistical external validation.

Findings

Models with three descriptors were developed using theoretical descriptors as independent variables derived from Dragon software while applying genetic algorithm-variable subset selection procedure.

Originality/value

The robustness and the predictive performance of the proposed linear model were verified using both internal and external statistical validation. One influential point which reinforces the model and an outlier were highlighted.