bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SF3B1, NRAS, KIT, and BRAF Mutation; CD117 and cMYC Expression; and Tumoral Pigmentation in Sinonasal Melanomas
Authors: Wroblewska Joanna P. , Mull Jason , Wu Cheng-Lin , Fujimoto Masakazu , Ogawa Toru , Marszalek Andrzej , Hoang Mai P.
Published: October 2018

Sinonasal melanomas encompass melanoma arising in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Despite recent advances in tumor genomics, correlation between mutational status and protein expression with prognosis and tumor pigmentation has not been carried out in sinonasal melanomas. Ninety-five sinonasal melanomas from 95 patients were included. As per univariate analyses, age was the only variable that significantly correlated with progression-free survival. SF3B1, NRAS, KIT, and BRAF mutations were documented in 7% (5/72), 22% (16/72), 22% (16/72), and 8% (6/72) of cases, respectively. Comutation was detected in 6 cases: NRAS and KIT in 2 cases; NRAS and BRAF in 2 cases; SF3B1, KIT, and BRAF in one case; and SF3B1, NRAS, and KIT in one case. Correlations approaching statistical significance were observed between BRAF mutation status and poorer overall survival and progression-free survival (log-rank P-values=0.054 and 0.061). Increased CD117 expression (33%, 29/88) and decreased nuclear cMYC expression (40%, 39/84) significantly correlated with cytoplasmic pigmentation. Several SF3B1, NRAS, and KIT mutations not previously documented in sinonasal melanomas were detected in our series, suggesting a potential role for targeted therapies. A similar frequency of SF3B1, NRAS, and KIT mutations was noted in Asian cases, whereas NRAS, KIT, and BRAF mutations were predominant in the United States and European cases; however, the number of included cases was small. The significant association between CD117 and cMYC expression with increased cytoplasmic pigmentation in our series suggests that the pigmented morphologic appearance of sinonasal melanomas could be attributed to the underlying oncogenic mutations and metabolic interaction.
When crust comes of age: on the chemical evolution of Archaean, felsic continental crust by crustal drip tectonics
Authors: Nebel O. , Capitanio F. A. , Moyen J.-F. , Weinberg R. F. , Clos F. , Nebel-Jacobsen Y. J. , Cawood P. A.
Published: October 2018

The secular evolution of the Earth's crust is marked by a profound change in average crustal chemistry between 3.2 and 2.5 Ga. A key marker for this change is the transition from Archaean sodic granitoid intrusions of the tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) series to potassic (K) granitic suites, akin (but not identical) to I-type granites that today are associated with subduction zones. It remains poorly constrained as to how and why this change was initiated and if it holds clues about the geodynamic transition from a pre-plate tectonic mode, often referred to as stagnant lid, to mobile plate tectonics. Here, we combine a series of proposed mechanisms for Archaean crustal geodynamics in a single model to explain the observed change in granitoid chemistry. Numeric modelling indicates that upper mantle convection drives crustal flow and subsidence, leading to profound diversity in lithospheric thickness with thin versus thick proto-plates. When convecting asthenospheric mantle interacts with lower lithosphere, scattered crustal drips are created. Under increasing P-T conditions, partial melting of hydrated meta-basalt within these drips produces felsic melts that intrude the overlying crust to form TTG. Dome structures, in which these melts can be preserved, are a positive diapiric expression of these negative drips. Transitional TTG with elevated K mark a second evolutionary stage, and are blends of subsided and remelted older TTG forming K-rich melts and new TTG melts. Ascending TTG-derived melts from asymmetric drips interact with the asthenospheric mantle to form hot, high-Mg sanukitoid. These melts are small in volume, predominantly underplated, and their heat triggered melting of lower crustal successions to form higher-K granites. Importantly, this evolution operates as a disseminated process in space and time over hundreds of millions of years (greater than 200 Ma) in all cratons. This focused ageing of the crust implies that compiled geochemical data can only broadly reflect geodynamic changes on a global or even craton-wide scale. The observed change in crustal chemistry does mark the lead up to but not the initiation of modern-style subduction.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Earth dynamics and the development of plate tectonics’.
Magma oceans as a critical stage in the tectonic development of rocky planets
Authors: Schaefer Laura , Elkins-Tanton Linda T.
Published: October 2018

Magma oceans are a common result of the high degree of heating that occurs during planet formation. It is thought that almost all of the large rocky bodies in the Solar System went through at least one magma ocean phase. In this paper, we review some of the ways in which magma ocean models for the Earth, Moon and Mars match present-day observations of mantle reservoirs, internal structure and primordial crusts, and then we present new calculations for the oxidation state of the mantle produced during the magma ocean phase. The crystallization of magma oceans probably leads to a massive mantle overturn that may set up a stably stratified mantle. This may lead to significant delays or total prevention of plate tectonics on some planets. We review recent models that may help alleviate the mantle stability issue and lead to earlier onset of plate tectonics.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Earth dynamics and the development of plate tectonics’.
Industrial bees: when agricultural intensification doesn’t impact local disease prevalence
Authors: Bartlett Lewis J. , Rozins Carly , Brosi Berry J. , Delaplane Keith S. , de Roode Jacobus C. , White Andrew , Wilfert Lena , Boots Michael
Published: October 2018

Although it is generally thought that the intensification of farming will result in higher disease prevalences there is little specific modelling testing this idea. We build multi-colony models to inform how ‘apicultural intensification’ is predicted to impact honeybee pathogen epidemiology at the apiary scale.

Counter to the prevailing view, our models predict that intensification, captured though increased population sizes, changes in population network structure, and increased between-colony transmission, is likely to have little effect on disease prevalence within an apiary.

The greatest impacts of intensification are found for diseases with relatively low R0 (basic reproduction number), however, such diseases cause little overall disease prevalence and therefore the impacts of intensification are minor. Furthermore, the smallest impacts of intensification are found for diseases with high R0 values, which we argue are typical of important honeybee diseases.

Policy Implications: Our findings highlight a lack of support for the hypothesis that current and ongoing intensification leads to notably higher disease prevalences. More broadly, our work demonstrates the need for informative models of agricultural systems and management practices in order to understand the implications of management changes on diseases.
CRISPR Artificial Splicing Factors
Authors: Jillette Nathaniel , Cheng Albert
Published: October 2018

We report here the engineering of CRISPR Artificial Splicing Factors (CASFx) based on an RNA-targeting CRISPR/Cas system. We showed that simultaneous exon inclusion and exclusion can be induced at distinct targets by differential positioning of CASFx. We also created inducible CASFx (iCASFx) using the FKBP-FRB chemical-inducible dimerization domain, allowing small molecule control of alternative splicing.
Conservation of the structural and functional architecture of encapsulated ferritins in bacteria and archaea
Authors: He Didi , Piergentili Cecilia , Ross Jennifer , Tarrant Emma , Tuck Laura R. , Mackay C. Logan , McIver Zak , Waldron Kevin J. , Marles-Wright Jon , Clarke David J.
Published: October 2018

Iron is an essential element for many biological processes; however, due to its high reactivity iron can also be very toxic, producing reactive oxygen species through Fenton chemistry. Ferritins protect the cell from oxidative stress by catalytically converting Fe(II) into less toxic Fe(III) and storing the resulting iron minerals within their core. Encapsulated ferritins (EncFtn) are a sub-family of ferritin-like proteins, which are widely distributed in all bacterial and archaeal phyla. We recently characterised theRhodospirillum rubrumEncFtn, showing that although enzymatically active, due to its open structure it requires the association with an encapsulin nanocage in order to act as an iron store. Given the wide distribution of the EncFtn family in organisms with diverse environmental niches, a question arises as to whether the structure and catalytic activity is conserved across the family. Here we structurally characterise two EncFtn members from the halophileHaliangium ochraceumand the thermophilePyrococcus furiosus, which show the same distinct annular decamer topology observed inR. rubrumEncFtn, with the ferroxidase centre (FOC) formed between one of the dimer interfaces. Solution and native mass spectrometr analyses show that the stability of the protein quaternary structure differs between EncFtn proteins from different species. The catalytic role of the EncFtn proteins was confirmed by biochemical assays, and we show that Zn(II) ions inhibit the ferroxidase activity of the EncFtn proteins to varying degrees. Our results represent a further step in the characterisation of the recently discovered EncFtn ferritin-like sub-family, indicating a common structural organisation and catalytic activity, despite diverse host environments.
A spatial atlas of inhibitory cell types in mouse hippocampus
Authors: Qian Xiaoyan , Harris Kenneth D. , Hauling Thomas , Nicoloutsopoulos Dimitris , Muñoz-Manchado Ana B. , Skene Nathan , Hjerling-Leffler Jens , Nilsson Mats
Published: October 2018

Understanding the function of a tissue requires knowing the spatial organization of its constituent cell types. In the cerebral cortex, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has revealed the genome-wide expression patterns that define its many, closely related cell types, but cannot reveal their spatial arrangement. Here we introduce probabilistic cell typing by in situ sequencing (pciSeq), an approach that leverages prior scRNA-seq classification to identify cell types using multiplexed in situ RNA detection. We applied this method to map the inhibitory neurons of hippocampal area CA1, a cell system critical for memory function, for which ground truth is available from extensive prior work identifying the laminar organization of subtly differing cell types. Our method confidently identified 16 interneuron classes, in a spatial arrangement closely matching ground truth. This method will allow identifying the spatial organization of fine cell types across the brain and other tissues.
Targeting mitochondria in cancer therapy could provide a basis for the selective anti-cancer activity
Authors: Rozanov Dmitri , Cheltsov Anton , Nilsen Aaron , Boniface Christopher , Korkola James , Gray Joe , Tyner Jeffrey , Tognon Cristina E. , Mills Gordon B. , Spellman Paul
Published: October 2018

To determine the target of the recently identified lead compound NSC130362 that is responsible for its selective anti-cancer efficacy and safety in normal cells, structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies were conducted. First, NSC13062 was validated as a starting compound for the described SAR studies in a variety of cell-based viability assays. Then, a small library of 1,4-naphthoquinines (1,4-NQs) and quinoline-5,8-diones was tested in cell viability assays using pancreatic cancer MIA PaCa-2 cells and normal human hepatocytes. The obtained data allowed us to select a set of both non-toxic compounds that preferentially induced apoptosis in cancer cells and toxic compounds that induced apoptosis in both cancer and normal cells. Anti-cancer activity of the selected non-toxic compounds was confirmed in viability assays using breast cancer HCC1187 cells. Consequently, the two sets of compounds were tested in multiple cell-based andin vitroactivity assays to identify key factors responsible for the observed activity. Inhibition of the mitochondrial electron transfer chain (ETC) is a key distinguishing activity between the non-toxic and toxic compounds. Finally, we developed a mathematical model that was able to distinguish these two sets of compounds. The development of this model supports our conclusion that appropriate quantitative SAR (QSAR) models have the potential to be employed to develop anticancer compounds with improved potency while maintaining non-toxicity to normal cells.
Host-parasite interaction explains variation in prevalence of avian haemosporidians at the community level
Authors: Garcia-Longoria L. , Marzal A. , de Lope F. , Garamszegi L. Z.
Published: October 2018

Parasites are a selective force that shape host community structure and dynamics, but host communities can also influence parasitism. Understanding the dual nature from host-parasite interactions can be facilitated by quantifying the variation in parasite prevalence (i.e. the proportion of infected host individuals in a population) among host species and then comparing that variation to other ecological factors that are known to also shape host communities. Avian haemosporidian parasites (e.g.PlasmodiumandHaemoproteus) are abundant and widespread representing an excellent model for the study of host-parasite interactions. Several geographic and environmental factors have been suggested to determine prevalence of avian haemosporidians in bird communities. However, much remains to be known regarding whether host and parasite traits, represented by phylogenetic distances among species and degree of specialization in host-parasite relationships, can influence parasite prevalence. The aims of this study were to analyze factors affecting prevalence in a bird community and to test whether the degree of parasite specialization on their hosts is determined by host traits. Our statistical analyses suggest that prevalence is mainly determined by the interaction between host species and parasite lineages where tolerance and/or susceptibility to parasites plays an essential role. Additionally, we found that although some of the parasite lineages infected a low number of bird species, the species they infected were distantly related and therefore the parasites themselves should not be considered typical host specialists. Prevalence was higher for generalist than for specialist parasites in some, but not all, host species. These results suggest that prevalence mainly results from the interaction between host immune defences and parasite exploitation strategies wherein the result of an association between particular parasite lineages and particular host species is idiosyncratic.
Stage-Dependent Differential Gene Expression Profiles of Cranial Neural Crest Cells Derived from Mouse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Odashima Ayano , Onodera Shoko , Saito Akiko , Nakamura Takashi , Ogihara Yuuki , Ichinohe Tatsuya , Azuma Toshifumi
Published: October 2018

Cranial neural crest cells (cNCCs) comprise a multipotent population of cells that migrate into the pharyngeal arches of the vertebrate embryo and differentiate into a broad range of derivatives of the craniofacial organs. Consequently, migrating cNCCs are considered as one of the most attractive candidate sources of cells for regenerative medicine. In this study, we analyzed the gene expression profiles of cNCCs at different time points after induction by conducting three independent RNA sequencing experiments. We successfully induced cNCC formation from mouse induced pluripotent stem (miPS) cells by culturing them in neural crest inducing media for 14 days. We found that these cNCCs expressed several neural crest specifier genes but were lacking some previously reported specifiers, such as paired box 3 (Pax3), msh homeobox 1 (Msx1), and Forkhead box D3 (FoxD3), which are presumed to be essential for neural crest development in the embryo. Thus, a distinct molecular network may the control gene expression in miPS-derived cNCCs. We also found thatc-Myc, ETS proto-oncogene 1, transcription factor (Ets1), and sex determining region Y-box 10 (Sox10) were only detected at 14 days after induction. Therefore, we assume that these genes would be useful markers for migratory cNCCs induced from miPS cells. Eventually, these cNCCs comprised a broad spectrum of protocadherin (Pcdh) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (Adamts) family proteins, which may be crucial in their migration.
Experimental co-transmission of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and the macaque homologs of the Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
Authors: Bruce A. Gregory , Barcy Serge , Staheli Jeannette , Bielefeldt-Ohmann Helle , Ikoma Minako , Howard Kellie , Rose Timothy M.
Published: October 2018

Macaque RFHV and LCV are close homologs of human KSHV and EBV, respectively. No experimental model of RFHV has been developed due to the lack of a source of culturable infectious virus. Screening of macaques at the Washington National Primate Research Center detected RFHV in saliva of SIV-infected macaques from previous vaccine studies. A pilot experimental infection of two naïve juvenile pig-tailed macaques was initiated by inoculation of saliva from SIV-infected pig-tailed and cynomolgus macaque donors, which contained high levels of DNA of the respective species-specific RFHV strain. Both juvenile recipients developed SIV and RFHV infections with RFHV DNA detected transiently in saliva and/or PBMC around week 16 post-infection. One juvenile macaque was infected with the homologous RFHVMn from whole saliva of a pig-tailed donor, which had been inoculated into the cheek pouch. This animal became immunosuppressed, developing simian AIDS and was euthanized 23 weeks after inoculation. The levels of RFHV DNA in saliva and PBMC remained below the level of detection after week 17, showing no reactivation of the RFHVMn infection during the rapid development of AIDS. The other juvenile macaque was infected with the heterologous RFHVMf from i.v. inoculation of purified virions from saliva of a cynomolgus donor. The juvenile recipient remained immunocompetent, developing high levels of persistent anti-RFHV and -SIV antibodies. After the initial presence of RFHVMf DNA in saliva and PBMC decreased to undetectable levels by week 19, all attempts to reactivate the infection through additional inoculations, experimental infection with purified SRV-2 or SIV, or immunosuppressive treatments with cyclosporine or dexamethasone were unsuccessful. An heterologous LCV transmission was also detected in this recipient, characterized by continual high levels of LCVMf DNA from the cynomolgus donor in both saliva and PBMC, coupled with high levels of anti-LCV antibodies. The macaque was sacrificed 209 weeks after the initial inoculation. Low levels of LCVMf DNA were detected in salivary glands, tonsils and other lymphoid organs, while RFHVMf DNA was below the level of detection. These results show successful co-transmission of RFHV and LCV from saliva and demonstrate differential lytic activation of the different gammaherpesvirus lineages due to presumed differences in biology and tropism and control by the host immune system. Although this initial pilot transmission study utilized only two macaques, it provides the first evidence for experimental transmission of the macaque homolog of KSHV, setting the stage for larger transmission studies to examine the differential activation of rhadinovirus and lymphocryptovirus infections and the pathological effects of immunosuppression.
Preliminary evidence that maternal immune activation specifically increases diagonal domain volume in the rat brain during early postnatal development
Authors: Wood Tobias C. , Edye Michelle E. , Harte Michael K. , Neill Joanna C. , Prinssen Eric P. , Vernon Anthony C.
Published: October 2018

Maternal immune activation (MIA) is consistently associated with elevated risk for multiple psychiatric disorders in the affected offspring. Related to this, an important goal of our work is to explore the impact of MIA effects across the lifespan. In this context, we recently reported the effects of poly (I:C)-induced MIA at gestational day (GD)15, immediately prior to birth, at GD21 and again at post-natal day (PD)21, providing a systematic assessment of plasma IL-6, body temperature and weight alterations in pregnant rats following poly (I:C) exposure and preliminary evidence for gross morphological changes and microglial neuropathology in both male and female offspring at GD21 and PD21. Here, we sought to complement and extend these data by characterising in more detail the meso-scale impact of gestational poly (I:C) exposure at GD15 on the neuroanatomy of the juvenile (PD21) rat brain using high-resolution, ex vivo anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in combination with atlas-based segmentation. Our preliminary data suggest subtle neuroanatomical effects of gestational poly (I:C) exposure (n=10) relative to saline controls (n=10) at this time-point. Specifically, we report here preliminary evidence for a significant increase in the relative volume of the diagonal domain in poly (I:C) offspring (p<0.01; q<0.1), particularly in female offspring. This occurred in the absence of any microstructural alterations as detectable using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Longitudinal in vivo studies, informed by the effect sizes from this dataset are now required to establish both the functional relevance and cellular mechanisms of the apparent DD volume increase.
Roles of the immune system in cancer: from tumor initiation to metastatic progression
Authors: Gonzalez Hugo , Hagerling Catharina , Werb Zena
Published: October 2018

The presence of inflammatory immune cells in human tumors raises a fundamental question in oncology: How do cancer cells avoid the destruction by immune attack? In principle, tumor development can be controlled by cytotoxic innate and adaptive immune cells; however, as the tumor develops from neoplastic tissue to clinically detectable tumors, cancer cells evolve different mechanisms that mimic peripheral immune tolerance in order to avoid tumoricidal attack. Here, we provide an update of recent accomplishments, unifying concepts, and future challenges to study tumor-associated immune cells, with an emphasis on metastatic carcinomas.
Optimizing Primer and Probe Concentrations for Use in Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Assays
Authors: Green Michael R. , Sambrook Joseph
Published: October 2018

Once primers and probes have been designed and obtained, it is necessary to optimize their concentration for each real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. A set of PCRs is assembled in which the concentrations of forward and reverse primers are varied independently. Following amplification of the template DNA, amplification plots are compared. A standard curve is generated to determine the efficiency, sensitivity, and reproducibility of the assay. If SYBR Green I is used as the probe, then the melting curves are also analyzed.
A bibliometric analysis of literature on engineering research among BRIC countries
Authors: Elango Bakthavachalam
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make a quantitative analysis and compare the scientific productivity in the area of engineering among the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from SCImago. Various parameters such as number of articles and citable articles, world share and rank, citations per paper and h-index, and international collaboration were analyzed.

Findings

There was a fluctuation trend in the pattern of international collaboration among the BRIC countries during the period. Among the top countries, China ranked first in the world in terms of number of articles in the field of engineering research, whereas India was at the 8th rank, Russia was at the 12th rank and Brazil was at the 18th rank. Among the BRIC countries, Russia slipped three positions from being at the 7th rank in 1996 to being at the 10th rank in 2016, while others improved their ranks.

Originality/value

The results of this study reveal publication trends and collaboration pattern of BRIC countries in the field of engineering which may be useful for the academic fraternity and decision makers.
Work-related groups and information security policy compliance
Authors: Sommestad Teodor
Published: October 2018

Purpose

It is widely acknowledged that norms and culture influence decisions related to information security. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how work-related groups influence information security policy compliance intentions and to what extent this influence is captured by the Theory of Planned Behavior, an established model over individual decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

A multilevel model is used to test the influence of work-related groups using a cluster sample of responses from 2,291 employees from 203 worksites, 119 organizations, 6 industries and 38 professions.

Findings

The results suggest that work-related groups influence individuals’ decision-making in the manner in which contemporary theories of information security culture posit. However, the influence is weak to modest and overshadowed by individual perceptions that are straightforward to measure.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to one national culture and four types of work-related groups. However, the results suggest that the Theory of Planned Behavior captures most of the influence that work-related groups have on decision-making. Future research on security culture and similar phenomena should take this into account.

Practical implications

Information security perceptions in work-related groups are diverse and information security decisions appear to be based on individual perceptions and priorities rather than groupthink or peer-pressure. Security management interventions may be more effective if they target individuals rather than groups.

Originality/value

This paper tests some of the basic ideas related to information security culture and its influence on individuals’ decision-making.
Actions, attitudes and beliefs of occupants in managing dampness in buildings
Authors: Blay Karen , Agyekum Kofi , Opoku Alex
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Dampness in buildings affects the health of occupants, structural stability and energy efficiency of buildings. Solutions to managing dampness focus on promoting the use of damp-proof construction materials, enhancing methods to avoid the introduction of moisture during construction and creating the awareness on the health effect of dampness. These solutions are incomplete without the identification of behaviours that occupants require to manage dampness. Given that dampness is characterised by the availability of a source, a route for the moisture to travel and driving force for moisture movement, the occupants can be said to play a significant role in contributing to dampness. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

As a result, this study seeks to examine the behaviours of occupants manifested to manage dampness in residential buildings. To achieve the aim, a qualitative research method was employed, under which interviews were carried out. Occupants in households in the northern and southern parts of England were interviewed to identify the actions, attitudes and beliefs in managing dampness.

Findings

The findings revealed actions such as aeration and the use of anti-damp sprays. From the findings, dampness instilled attitudes such as anger, moodiness and unhappiness. In addition, dampness instilled cleaning habits in occupants due to the lack of comfort moulds create and the awareness of its health impact.

Research limitations/implications

This research also contributes to existing debates on dampness reduction specifically in residential buildings.

Originality/value

The identification of these behaviours creates the awareness for occupants on their roles in managing dampness and how dampness affects their behaviours in addition to the health impact.
Political regimes and foreign aid effectiveness in Ghana
Authors: Tawiah Vincent Konadu , Barnes Evans John , Acheampong Prince , Yaw Ofori
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper has examined the effectiveness of foreign aid on Ghanaian economy under different political regimes.

Design/methodology/approach

Using vector error correction and co-integration models on the annual data set over a period of 35 years, the authors demonstrate that foreign aid has had varied impacts on economic growth depending on the political ideology of the government in power.

Findings

With capitalist political philosophy, foreign aid improves private sector growth through infrastructural development. On the other hand, a government with socialist philosophy applies most of its foreign aid in direct social interventions with the view of improving human capital. Thus, each political party is likely to seek foreign aid/grant that will support its political agenda. Overall, the results show that foreign aid has a positive impact on the growth of the Ghanaian economy when there is good macroeconomic environment.

Practical implications

This implies that the country experiences economic growth when there are sound economic policies to apply foreign aid.

Originality/value

The practical implication of the findings of this paper is that donor countries and agencies should consider the philosophy of the government in power while granting aid to recipient countries, especially in Africa. The results are robust to different proxies and models.
Making the most out of renewable energy opportunities
Authors: Leseure Michel , Robins Dawn , Wall Graham , Jones Dylan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Offshore renewable energy technologies provide many new opportunities for coastal regions around the world, and although the energy policy literature has documented the success stories of many “first mover” regions, there is little guidance for “second mover” or “follower” regions. This paper aims to investigate the strategic challenges faced by coastal regions in the Channel area that are not first movers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a multiple case study approach to analyse the behaviour of regional stakeholders when planning and assessing their participation in the renewable energy sector.

Findings

The paper reveals the tendency of regional planners to idealise investments in renewable energy. The negative consequences of idealisation are inadequate strategic visions.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are only relevant in the context of the regions that are part of the case study.

Practical implications

The paper illustrates how idealisation of technology or strategy is created and how it impacts strategic decision-making. It also discusses how to address idealisation.

Social implications

Although much of the energy policy literature discusses the challenge of social acceptance, this paper documents an opposite phenomenon, idealisation. There is a need in the energy sector to find a middle ground between these two extremes.

Originality/value

The paper provides evidence and a theoretical analysis of a decision-making bias, idealisation, which is not discussed in the literature.
Poor health-related quality of life in Iran: decomposition analysis of affecting factors
Authors: Kazemi Karyani Ali , Rezaei Satar , Karami Matin Behzad , Amini Saeed
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is one of the important issues in the health sector. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the prevalence and socio-economic inequality in poor HRQoL in Tehran city, Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 562 adults were included in this cross-sectional study. The cluster sampling method was used for data collection from May to June, 2016 in Tehran city, Iran. Data on HRQoL, using EuroQol 5-dimensions questionnaire, and data on socio-economic and demographic variables were gathered. Convenience regression method was performed to measure the concentration index (CI). Decomposition analysis was performed to determine the contribution of variables on socio-economic inequality in poor HRQoL. All analyses were performed by Stata v.14.

Findings

The prevalence of poor HRQoL was 28.3 percent. The value of CI for “poor HRQoL” was −0.299 (95% confidence interval: −0.402 to −0.195). Socio-economic status (SES) was the largest contributor to socio-economic inequality in poor HRQoL (69.44 percent of inequality was explained by SES). Age, obesity and race had a positive contribution to socio-economic inequality in poor HRQoL among the participants. Nonetheless, sex and smoking intensity had a negative contribution to inequality in poor HRQoL.

Originality/value

There is little evidence about the prevalence of poor HRQoL in insured people. This study provided new evidence in this area through the investigation of socio-economic inequality in poor HRQoL and its determinants among people with health insurance in Iran using decomposition analysis.
Experiential learning in “innovation for sustainability”
Authors: Ely Adrian V.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The urgent challenges of sustainability require novel teaching methods facilitating different types of learning. The purpose of this paper is to examine the important role of experiential learning in higher education programmes relating to sustainability and to evaluate a number of teaching and learning activities (TLAs) that can be used to leverage this approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on questionnaire surveys carried out for over seven years with students from a highly international master’s-level course, this paper describes the utility of experiential learning theory in teaching around “innovation for sustainability”. Drawing on Kolb’s theories and subsequent modifications, the paper reviews and evaluates the TLAs used in the course that have fostered experiential learning in the classroom, including role-play seminars, case study-based seminars and sessions centred around sharing and reflecting on personal professional histories.

Findings

The qualitative data and discussion illustrate the utility of experiential learning approaches in post-graduate education for sustainable development, especially in generating empathy and understanding for different sustainability perspectives and priorities from around the world. In particular, the paper offers novel insights into the strengths and limitations of the TLAs.

Originality/value

These insights are valuable to education for sustainable development practitioners dealing with international student intakes displaying variable levels of professional experience who are looking to foster experiential learning, reflection and inter-cultural empathy. They can inform the design of classroom-based TLAs that are capable of equipping students with not only the analytical skills for career success but also the inter-cultural sensibility required for international leadership in the sustainable development domain.
Awareness and utilisation of building information modelling (BIM) for facility management (FM) in a developing economy
Authors: Olapade Daramola Thompson , Ekemode Benjamin Gbolahan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the awareness and utilisation of building information modelling (BIM) for facility management (FM) among FM companies in Lagos, Nigeria. This was with a view of increasing the awareness level and promoting adoption of BIM in FM practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data used for the study were sourced through questionnaire administered on the 37 FM companies that are corporate members of International Facility Management Association in Lagos, Nigeria. Frequency distribution and relative significance index were used for data analysis.

Findings

Findings of the study suggest a low level of awareness and adoption of BIM for FM in the study area. Only 2 of the 31 FM companies surveyed were using BIM for their FM services. Also, the majority of the respondents (n = 22, 71 per cent) perceived that the awareness of BIM in the facilities management industry in Nigeria is very low.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provided industry stakeholders with information on the level of awareness and utilisation of BIM for FM practice in Nigeria, thereby giving insights on the possible integration of BIM with FM practices in developing countries.

Originality/value

The paper is a pioneer research on the awareness and utilisation of BIM for facilities management from the perspective of an emerging property market like Nigeria.
Islamic marketing: bridging the gap between research and practice
Authors: Hossain Md Shamim , Yahya Sofri Bin , Kiumarsi Shaian
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the link between research and practice within the context of Islamic marketing (IM), an issue which is controversial in the literature. It offers reasonable answers that bridge the gap between research and practice, as well as the way to mitigate it.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a critical approach to analytically review the literature on IM, and relates it to research and practice.

Findings

The study finds that the advancement of knowledge on IM necessitates research and practice. There is a gap between research and practice which evolved from decades of objectivity between researchers and practitioners in the field of IM. It is necessary to search for some practicable solutions that can narrow the gap between theory and practice.

Research limitations/implications

The basic limitation of this study is that IM has not yet emerged as a distinct discipline. Hence, there is limited study on IM issues in the context of research and practice.

Originality/value

This study makes essential contributions to the chastisement by research and practice, a theoretically new field of IM subject.
Unpacking knowledge management practices in China: do institution, national and organizational culture matter?
Authors: Liu Yi , Chan Christopher , Zhao Chenhui , Liu Chao
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to empirically examine knowledge management practices in China with the purpose to provide a holistic view regarding the current status of knowledge management at both national and organizational levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey method, this study collected primary data from organizations across several regions in China. The data were analyzed to detect possible relationships among institutional force, organizational culture and knowledge management process in Chinese organizations. More specifically, to what extent are these relationships moderated by national culture?

Findings

While knowledge management practices in China were partly influenced by institutional forces, most of the predicted connections between organizational culture and knowledge management were supported. In addition, the dynamic nature of national culture is predominant, that pervasively influencing knowledge management processes and thus contextualization determines how knowledge is being managed in China. Indeed, the ideologies of relationships and trust are key vehicles for knowledge management in the Chinese organizations.

Practical implications

This study comprehensively reviews existing literature to form an integrative framework, which is under explored in a Chinese context. Such initiative helps scholars and practitioners to gain a full understanding of knowledge management, in general, in the Chinese business environment in particular.

Originality/value

This paper provides a detailed and empirical insight into the knowledge management practices in Chinese organizations and suggests that knowledge management in a distinctive and yet diverse cultural context should be considered with caution.
The synthesis of epoxy resin coated Al2O3composites for selective laser sintering 3D printing
Authors: Yang Qiuping , Li Huizhi , Zhai Yubo , Li Xiaofeng , Zhang Peizhi
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To prepare a new type of composite for selective laser sintering 3D printing, the surface of Al2O3nanoparticles was modified by the coupling agent (3-methacryloxypropyl)-trimethoxy silane (KH570) before coated with thermoplastic epoxy resin (TER).

Design/methodology/approach

Laser diffraction confirmed that the size distribution of prepared powder materials in this study ranged between 20 to 80 µm. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the loading of organic matter was below 5 per cent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the silane coupling agent molecule bound strongly with the alumina. X-ray diffraction confirmed the prepared powder materials to beα-alumina. Through the angle of repose (AOR) test, the AOR = 18.435º was obtained, suggesting the high flowability of prepared powder materials. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation demonstrated that the shape of the prepared powder materials was sphere-like grains.

Findings

Molding properties of prepared powder materials were studied on the basis of particle size distribution, particle size, sphericity, crystal structure and the reaction mode of the TER. This prepared powder materials can be well applied to the production of epoxy resin-coated Al2O3composite parts with high precision and good mechanical performance.

Originality/value

This composite can be well applied to the production of epoxy resin-coated Al2O3composite parts with high precision and good mechanical performance.
Public private partnerships (PPP) in the developing world: mitigating financiers’ risks
Authors: Owolabi Hakeem Adedayo , Oyedele Lukumon , Alaka Hafiz , Ebohon Obas John , Ajayi Saheed , Akinade Olugbenga , Bilal Muhammad , Olawale Oladimeji
Published: October 2018

Purpose

A major challenge for foreign lenders in financing public private partnerships (PPP) infrastructure projects in an emerging market (EM) is the bankability of country-related risks. Despite existing studies on country risks in international project financing, perspectives of foreign lenders on bankability of country-specific risks in an EM is yet to be explored. Hence, using a mixed methodology approach, three private finance initiatives/PPP projects in Sub Saharan Africa (Nigeria) were used to investigate political risk, sponsor, concession and legal risks in PPP loan applications. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted mixed methodological approach comprising focus group discussions and analysis of loan documents obtained from foreign project lenders, in addition to the questionnaire survey distributed to local and international project financiers with experiences in PPPs within Nigeria.

Findings

Results identified seven topmost bankability criteria for evaluating country-related risks (political risk, sponsor, concession and legal risks) in EM PPPs. In addition, a “Risk and Bankability Framework Model” was developed from the study presenting critical parameters for gaining foreign funding approval for EM’s PPP loan applications.

Research limitations/implications

Since the study only explored bankability of PPPs in Sub Saharan Africa with the exclusion of other geographical regions, the proposed framework model should be taken in context of EMs as a mind-map for foreign lenders and local private investors seeking to finance PPPs in an EM.

Practical implications

Results from the study represent critical parameters for winning foreign loan approval for PPP infrastructure projects within an EM context.

Originality/value

Study proposed “Risk and Bankability Framework Model” relevant for evaluating PPP loan applications at the pre-approval stage for EM PPPs.
Comparison of stress‐dependent geophysical, hydraulic and mechanical properties of synthetic and natural sandstones for reservoir characterization and monitoring studies
Authors: Falcon‐Suarez Ismael Himar , Amalokwu Kelvin , Delgado‐Martin Jordi , Callow Ben , Robert Katleen , North Laurence , Sahoo Sourav K. , Best Angus I.
Published: October 2018

Synthetic rock samples can offer advantages over natural rock samples when used for laboratory rock physical properties studies, provided their success as natural analogues is well understood. The ability of synthetic rocks to mimic the natural stress dependency of elastic wave, electrical and fluid transport properties is of primary interest. Hence, we compare a consistent set of laboratory multi‐physics measurements obtained on four quartz sandstone samples (porosity range 20–25%) comprising two synthetic and two natural (Berea and Corvio) samples, the latter used extensively as standards in rock physics research. We measured simultaneously ultrasonic (P‐ and S‐wave) velocity and attenuation, electrical resistivity, permeability and axial and radial strains over a wide range of differential pressure (confining stress 15–50 MPa; pore pressure 5–10 MPa) on the four brine saturated samples. Despite some obvious physical discrepancies caused by the synthetic manufacturing process, such as silica cementation and anisotropy, the results show only small differences in stress dependency between the synthetic and natural sandstones for all measured parameters. Stress dependency analysis of the dry samples using an isotropic effective medium model of spheroidal pores and penny‐shaped cracks, together with a granular cohesion model, provide evidence of crack closure mechanisms in the natural sandstones, seen to a much lesser extent in the synthetic sandstones. The smaller grain size, greater cement content, and cementation under oedometric conditions particularly affect the fluid transport properties of the synthetic sandstones, resulting in lower permeability and higher electrical resistivity for a similar porosity. The effective stress coefficients, determined for each parameter, are in agreement with data reported in the literature. Our results for the particular synthetic materials that were tested suggest that synthetic sandstones can serve as good proxies for natural sandstones for studies of elastic and mechanical properties, but should be used with care for transport properties studies.
Cruel and unusual
Authors: González Roberto J.
Published: October 2018

From early April to late June 2018, the nearly 2,600 immigrant children – mostly refugees fleeing violence and poverty in Central America – were forcibly taken from their parents at the United States’ southern border following implementation of the Trump administration's ‘zero tolerance’ policy. The policy took effect when the US Justice Department began aggressively prosecuting undocumented immigrants crossing the US‐Mexico border. Following a public outcry and growing protests, President Trump issued an executive order declaring an end to family separations on 20 June. Several days later, a federal court mandated that the government reunite those immigrant families affected by the ‘zero tolerance’ policy. In mid‐August, more than 550 children who had been detained following the implementation of the policy remained in federal custody. Thousands more ‘unaccompanied minors’ – typically teenagers who were caught crossing the border without adults –remain in indefinite detention. This editorial analyzes this situation from an anthropological perspective by reviewing relevant ethnographic literature on undocumented Latin American immigrants in the US.