bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Programmed deep septal pacing for the diagnosis of left bundle branch capture
Authors: Jastrzębski Marek , Moskal Paweł , Kusiak Aleksander , Bednarek Agnieszka , Sondej Tomasz , Kiełbasa Grzegorz , Bednarski Adam , Vijayaraman Pugazhendhi , Czarnecka Danuta
Published: October 2019

Background

During permanent deep septal pacing, it is important to confirm left bundle branch (LBB) capture.

Objective

The effective refractory period (ERP) of the working myocardium is different than the ERP of the LBB; we hypothesized that it should be possible to differentiate LBB capture from septal myocardial capture using programmed extra-stimulus technique.

Methods

In consecutive patients undergoing pacemaker implantation who received pacing lead in a deep septal position programmed pacing was delivered from this lead. Responses to programmed pacing were categorized on the basis of QRS morphology of the extrastimuli as: myocardial (broader QRS, often slurred), selective (narrower QRS, preceded by an isoelectric interval) or non-diagnostic (unequivocal change).

Results

Programmed deep septal pacing was performed 269 times in 143 patients; in every patient with the use of an 8-beat basic drive train of 600 ms and when possible also during supraventricular rhythm. Responses diagnostic for LBB capture were observed in 114 (79.7%) of patients. Selective LBB paced QRS was more often seen when premature beats were introduced during the intrinsic rhythm rather than after the basic drive train. The average septal-myocardial refractory period was significantly shorter than the LBB refractory period: 263.0±34.4 ms vs. 318.0±37.4 ms.

Conclusions

A novel maneuver for the diagnosis of LBB capture during deep septal pacing, was formulated, assessed and found as diagnostically valuable. This method, based on the differences in refractoriness between LBB and the septal myocardium is unique in enabling the visualization of components of the usually fused, non-selective LBB paced QRS complex.

Graphical abstract
Gray matter volume and estimated brain age gap are not associated with sleep-disordered breathing in subjects from the ADNI cohort
Authors: Mohajer Bahram , Abbasi Nooshin , Mohammadi Esmaeil , Khazaie Habibolah , Osorio Ricardo S. , Rosenzweig Ivana , Eickhoff Claudia R. , Zarei Mojtaba , Tahmasian Masoud , Eickhoff Simon B. ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) are prevalent conditions with rising burden. It is suggested that SDB may contribute to cognitive decline and advanced aging. Here, we assessed the link between self-reported SDB and gray matter volume in patients with AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and healthy controls (HC). We further investigated whether SDB was associated with advanced brain aging. We included a total of 330 participants, divided based on self-reported history of SDB, and matched across diagnoses for age, sex and presence of the ApoE4 allele, from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Gray-matter volume was measured using voxel-wise morphometry and differences reflecting SDB, cognitive status, and their interaction were evaluated. Further, using an age-prediction model fitted on gray-matter data of external datasets, we predicted study participants’ age from their structural scans. Cognitive decline (MCI/AD diagnosis) and advanced age were associated with lower gray matter volume in various regions, particularly in the bilateral temporal lobes. BrainAGE was well predicted from the morphological data in HC and, as expected, elevated in MCI and particularly in AD. However, there was neither a significant difference between regional gray matter volume in any diagnostic group related to the SDB status nor an SDB-by-cognitive status interaction. Also, we found neither a significant difference in BrainAGE gap (estimated - chronological age) related to SDB nor an SDB-by-cognitive status interaction. In summary, contrary to our expectations, we were not able to find a general nor a diagnostic specific effect on either gray-matter volumetric or brain aging.

Statement of significance

Dementia syndromes including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), are a major global concern, and unraveling modifiable predisposing risk factors is indispensable. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and its most prevalent form, obstructive sleep apnea, are suggested as modifiable risk factors of AD, but their contribution to AD hallmarks, like brain atrophy and advanced brain aging, is not clear to this day. While self-reported SDB is suggested to propagate aging process and cognitive decline to AD in clinical studies, here, we demonstrated that, SDB might not necessarily associate to brain atrophy and the advanced brain aging assessed by morphological data, in AD progession. However, multimodal longitudinal studies with polysomnographic assessment of SDB are needed to confirm such fundings.
Discovery of novel Defense Regulated WD40-repeat proteins DRW1/2 and their roles in plant immunity
Authors: Miller Jimi C. , Barco Brenden , Clay Nicole K.
Published: October 2019

Plant heterotrimeric G proteins transduce extracellular signals that activate plant immunity. Plants encode canonical and non-canonical Gα and Gγ subunits, but only a single canonical Gβ subunit is known. The existence of only one Gβ subunit limits the number of heterotrimeric G protein combinations able to transduce different signals. It remains unknown whether non-canonical Gβ subunits exist. Here, we identify two WD40-repeat genes that negatively regulate plant immunity. The proteins encoded by these two genes,DEFENSE REGULATED WD40-REPEAT1 and 2 (DRW1/2), are structurally similar to AGB1. DRW2 localizes to the plasma membrane and interacts with the canonical Gα and Gγ subunits. Reduced levels ofDRWin thedrw1anddrw2single mutants resulted in greater MAPK activation in response to flagellin treatment and conferred increased resistance to the bacterial pathogenPseudomonas syringae. Furthermore, thedrw1 drw2double-mutant also displayed increased MAPK activation upon flagellin treatment and broad-spectrum resistance against bacterial and fungal pathogen infection. The function of DRW1 and DRW2 is opposite of AGB1, which promotes immune signaling, suggesting that the function of these potential non-canonical Gβ subunits are not conserved with the canonical Gβ subunit. Our study identifies additional heterotrimeric G protein components, greatly increasing the number of heterotrimeric G protein complexes that participate in signal transduction.
Allosteric regulation of Glutamate dehydrogenase deamination activity
Authors: Rashid Mubasher , Bera Soumen , Medvinsky Alexander B. , Sun Gui-Quan , Li Bai-Lian , Acquisti Claudia , Sljoka Adnan , Chakraborty Amit
Published: October 2019

Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) is a key enzyme interlinking carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Recent discoveries of the GDH specific role in breast cancer, hyperinsulinism/hyperammonemia syndrome, and neurodegenerative diseases have reinvigorated interest on GDH regulation, which remains poorly understood despite extensive and long standing studies. Notwithstanding the growing evidence of the complexity of the allosteric network behind GDH regulation, a clear understanding of the enzyme dynamics involved in the process is limited to the activator Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and the inhibitor Guanosine triphosphate (GTP). Presently, the identification of further factors involved in the allosteric network is paramount to deepen our understanding of the complex dynamics that regulate GDH enzymatic activity. Combining structural analyses of cryo-electron microscopy data with molecular dynamic simulations, here we show that the cofactor NADH is a key player in the GDH regulation process. Our structural analysis indicates that, binding to the regulatory sites in proximity of the antenna region, NADH acts as a positive allosteric modulator by enhancing both the affinity of GTP binding and inhibition of GDH catalytic activity. We further show that the binding of GTP to the NADH bound GDH produces a local conformational rearrangement that triggers an anticlockwise rotational motion of interlinked alpha-helices with specific tilted helical extension. This structural transition is a fundamental switch in the GDH enzymatic activity. It introduces a torsional stress, and the associated rotational shift in the Rossmann fold closes the catalytic cleft with consequent inhibition of the deamination process. These results shed new light on GDH regulation and may lay new foundation in the design of allosteric agents.
Sex and pubertal status influence dendritic spine density onto frontal corticostriatal projection neurons
Authors: Delevich Kristen , Okada Nana J. , Rahane Ameet , Zhang Zicheng , Hall Christopher D. , Wilbrecht Linda
Published: October 2019

In humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents, the frontal cortices exhibit grey matter thinning and dendritic spine pruning that extends late into adolescence. This protracted maturation is believed to support higher cognition but may also confer psychiatric vulnerability during adolescence. Currently, little is known about how different cell types in the frontal cortex mature or whether puberty plays a role. Here, we used mice to characterize the spatial topography and adolescent development of cross-corticostriatal (cSTR) neurons that project to the dorsomedial striatum (DMS). We found that apical spine density on cSTR neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex decreased significantly between late juvenile (P29) and young adult time points (P60), with females exhibiting higher spine density than males at both ages. Adult males castrated prior to puberty onset had higher spine density compared to sham controls. Adult females ovariectomized before puberty onset showed greater variance in spine density measures on cSTR cells compared to controls, but their mean spine density did not significantly differ from sham controls. Our findings reveal that these cSTR neurons, a subtype of the broader class of intratelencephalic-type neurons, exhibit significant sex differences and suggest that spine pruning on cSTR neurons is regulated by puberty in males.
Formation ofS. pombeErh1 homodimer mediates gametogenic gene silencing and meiosis progression
Authors: Hazra Ditipriya , Andrić Vedrana , Palancade Benoit , Rougemaille Mathieu , Graille Marc
Published: October 2019

Timely and accurate expression of the genetic information relies on the integration of environmental cues and the activation of regulatory networks involving transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. In fission yeast, meiosis-specific transcripts are selectively targeted for degradation during mitosis by the EMC complex, composed of Erh1, the ortholog of human ERH, and the YTH family RNA-binding protein Mmi1. Here, we present the crystal structure of Erh1 and show that it assembles as a homodimer. Mutations of amino acid residues to disrupt Erh1 homodimer formation result in loss-of-function phenotypes, similar toerh1∆cells: expression of meiotic genes is derepressed in mitotic cells and meiosis progression is severely compromised. Interestingly, formation of Erh1 homodimer is dispensable for interaction with Mmi1, suggesting that only fully assembled EMC complexes consisting of two Mmi1 molecules bridged by an Erh1 dimer are functionally competent. We also show that Erh1 does not contribute to Mmi1-dependent down-regulation of the meiosis regulator Mei2, supporting the notion that Mmi1 performs additional functions beyond EMC. Overall, our results provide a structural basis for the assembly of the EMC complex and highlight its biological relevance in gametogenic gene silencing and meiosis progression.
Intricate SUMO-based control of the homologous recombination machinery
Authors: Dhingra Nalini , Zhao Xiaolan
Published: October 2019

The homologous recombination (HR) machinery plays multiple roles in genome maintenance. Best studied in the context of DNA double-stranded break (DSB) repair, recombination enzymes can cleave, pair, and unwind DNA molecules, and collaborate with regulatory proteins to execute multiple DNA processing steps before generating specific repair products. HR proteins also help to cope with problems arising from DNA replication, modulating impaired replication forks or filling DNA gaps. Given these important roles, it is not surprising that each HR step is subject to complex regulation to adjust repair efficiency and outcomes as well as to limit toxic intermediates. Recent studies have revealed intricate regulation of all steps of HR by the protein modifier SUMO, which has been increasingly recognized for its broad influence in nuclear functions. This review aims to connect established roles of SUMO with its newly identified effects on recombinational repair and stimulate further thought on many unanswered questions.
Calcium Phosphate-Mediated Transfection of Cells with High-Molecular-Weight Genomic DNA
Authors: Kumar Priti , Nagarajan Arvindhan , Uchil Pradeep D.
Published: October 2019

This protocol describes a calcium phosphate-mediated transfection method for use with high-molecular-weight genomic DNAs.
Removing DNA Contamination from RNA Samples by Treatment with RNase-Free DNase I
Authors: Green Michael R. , Sambrook Joseph
Published: October 2019

RNA samples prepared using monophasic lysis reagents may contain small amounts of contaminating genomic DNA, which must be removed if the RNA will be used in subsequent analyses such as reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or quantitative real-time RT-PCR. In addition, the presence of contaminating DNA can render the quantitative determination of RNA in a sample inaccurate. The most common and effective method for removing trace to moderate amounts of DNA contamination from RNA samples is digestion with DNase I, as described here.
Myeloma and Hybridoma Cell Counts and Viability Checks
Authors: Greenfield Edward A.
Published: October 2019

For most purposes, the number of hybridoma or myeloma cells can be estimated simply by observing the cells under the microscope. When an exact cell count is needed, the number can be determined by using a hemocytometer (improved Neubauer counting chambers are the most commonly used). This is a simple device in which a special coverslip rests on supports that hold it 0.1 mm above the base of the slide. The slide is engraved with a series of lines that form 1 × 1-mm squares. By counting the number of cells within the 0.1-mm3 chamber formed by the 1 × 1-mm square and the height of the coverslip, an accurate quantitation of cells per milliliter can be calculated. To determine the percentage of viable cells within a population, the cell suspension is mixed with a vital dye and observed under the microscope. Vital dyes are excluded from living cells but stain dead cells. The most common dye used for these stains is Trypan Blue.
Transfection of Mammalian Cells with Calcium Phosphate–DNA Coprecipitates
Authors: Kumar Priti , Nagarajan Arvindhan , Uchil Pradeep D.
Published: October 2019

Biochemical methods of transfection, including calcium phosphate-mediated and diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)–dextran-mediated transfection, have been used for many years to deliver nucleic acids into cultured cells. Here, we briefly review the use of calcium phosphate–DNA coprecipitates for transfection.
Well-based crystallization of lipidic cubic phase microcrystals for serial X-ray crystallography experiments
Authors: Andersson Rebecka , Safari Cecilia , Båth Petra , Bosman Robert , Shilova Anastasya , Dahl Peter , Ghosh Swagatha , Dunge Andreas , Kjeldsen-Jensen Rasmus , Nan Jie , Shoeman Robert L. , Kloos Marco , Doak R. Bruce , Mueller Uwe , Neutze Richard , Brändén Gisela
Published: October 2019

Serial crystallography is having an increasing impact on structural biology. This emerging technique opens up new possibilities for studying protein structures at room temperature and investigating structural dynamics using time-resolved X-ray diffraction. A limitation of the method is the intrinsic need for large quantities of well ordered micrometre-sized crystals. Here, a method is presented to screen for conditions that produce microcrystals of membrane proteins in the lipidic cubic phase using a well-based crystallization approach. A key advantage over earlier approaches is that the progress of crystal formation can be easily monitored without interrupting the crystallization process. In addition, the protocol can be scaled up to efficiently produce large quantities of crystals for serial crystallography experiments. Using the well-based crystallization methodology, novel conditions for the growth of showers of microcrystals of three different membrane proteins have been developed. Diffraction data are also presented from the first user serial crystallography experiment performed at MAX IV Laboratory.
Reinforcement learning for human-robot shared control
Authors: Li Yanan , Tee Keng Peng , Yan Rui , Ge Shuzhi Sam
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a general framework of shared control for human–robot interaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Human dynamics are considered in analysis of the coupled human–robot system. Motion intentions of both human and robot are taken into account in the control objective of the robot. Reinforcement learning is developed to achieve the control objective subject to unknown dynamics of human and robot. The closed-loop system performance is discussed through a rigorous proof.

Findings

Simulations are conducted to demonstrate the learning capability of the proposed method and its feasibility in handling various situations.

Originality/value

Compared to existing works, the proposed framework combines motion intentions of both human and robot in a human–robot shared control system, without the requirement of the knowledge of human’s and robot’s dynamics.
Development of a knowledge management system for the NOMAD instrument onboard the ExoMars TGO spacecraft
Authors: Hetey Laszlo , Neefs Eddy , Thomas Ian , Zender Joe , Vandaele Ann-Carine , Berkenbosch Sophie , Ristic Bojan , Bonnewijn Sabrina , Delanoye Sofie , Leese Mark , Mason Jon , Patel Manish
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the development of a knowledge management system (KMS) for the Nadir and Occultation for Mars Discovery (NOMAD) instrument on board the ESA/Roscosmos 2016 ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) spacecraft. The KMS collects knowledge acquired during the engineering process that involved over 30 project partners. In addition to the documentation and technical data (explicit knowledge), a dedicated effort was made to collect the gained experience (tacit knowledge) that is crucial for the operational phase of the TGO mission and also for future projects. The system is now in service and provides valuable information for the scientists and engineers working with NOMAD.

Design/methodology/approach

The NOMAD KMS was built around six areas: official documentation, technical specifications and test results, lessons learned, management data (proposals, deliverables, progress reports and minutes of meetings), picture files and movie files. Today, the KMS contains 110 GB of data spread over 11,000 documents and more than 13,000 media files. A computer-aided design (CAD) library contains a model of the full instrument as well as exported sub-parts in different formats. A context search engine for both documents and media files was implemented.

Findings

The conceived KMS design is basic, flexible and very robust. It can be adapted to future projects of a similar size.

Practical implications

The paper provides practical guidelines on how to retain the knowledge from a larger aerospace project. The KMS tool presented here works offline, requires no maintenance and conforms to data protection standards.

Originality/value

This paper shows how knowledge management requirements for space missions can be fulfilled. The paper demonstrates how to transform the large collection of project data into a useful tool and how to address usability aspects.
Enhancing care: simplified clinic letters
Authors: Gove Rebecca , Htut Sidney , Eyeoyibo Mo
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the content and style of clinic letters written by psychiatrists and to compare these with national guidelines and standards. To then consider the impact that writing directly to patients and carers has on their feeling of inclusion and understanding via a questionnaire.

Design/methodology/approach

Two audits were completed, the first was carried out in 2012 and the second during 2014 with both being over a three-month period. The first 50 clinic letters sent out during these periods were examined using an audit tool that was developed using national standards from the Department of Health and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. A questionnaire was then devised in 2016 and sent to patients and carers regarding their views on the simplified clinic letters that were written directly to them.

Findings

In the original audit none of the letters were simplified and written to the patient whereas in the re-audit 66 per cent were simplified. The questionnaire sent out to patients and carers revealed that 50 per cent of patients felt that the simplified letter helped them to feel more included and gave them a better understanding of their care.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the potentially positive impact of writing simplified clinic letters directly to patients with intellectual disability and their carers. It also includes a clinic letter format designed so that medical information is not lost in the written communication and so that the service’s workload is not impacted on by having to write two separate letters to the patient and to their GP.
Brand image and consumer satisfaction towards Islamic travel packages
Authors: Nawi Noorshella Binti Che , Al Mamun Abdullah , Nasir Noorul Azwin Md , Abdullah Azwan , Mustapha Wan Nurulasiah Wan
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the factors affecting brand image and consumer satisfaction towards Islamic travel package in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a cross-sectional design and quantitative method in examining the factors affecting the brand image and consumer satisfaction on Islamic travel package. This study has chosen Google form as a platform to collect the data.

Findings

The findings revealed that product quality, Islamic physical attribute and Islamic belief have a significant positive effect on brand image and consumer satisfaction. The findings confirmed that product quality, Islamic physical attribute and Islamic beliefs are the crucial tools for brand image that leads to the satisfaction of Muslim consumers on the Islamic travel package.

Originality/value

This paper addresses understudied aspects of brand image and consumer satisfaction towards Islamic travel package in Malaysia. It provided useful insights into the product quality, Islamic physical attribute and Islamic belief on brand image and consumer satisfaction towards Islamic travel packages. Tourism companies should improve and update their package based on the religious perspective to attract Muslim consumers.
Research on passive control of cloud cavitation based on a bionic fin-fin structure
Authors: Zhao W.G. , Wang Guipeng
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use the NACA 0015 symmetric hydrofoil as the research subject and control cloud cavitation on hydrofoils.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on observed distribution of caudal fin spines on fish, a bionic structure of fin-like spines is arranged on the hydrofoil suction surface, which maintains the cavitation in a quasi-steady state stage by eliminating the cyclic shedding process of cloud cavitation. Based on the modified shear stress transport k-ω turbulence model and the Zwart–Gerber–Belamri cavitation model, this paper compares and analyzes the NACA 0015 hydrofoil and the bionic NACA 0015 hydrofoil under condition of an angle of attack of 8° and a cavitation number of 0.8.

Findings

The results show that the average drag of the hydrofoil is reduced but the lift is decreased, and the lift-drag ratio is increased after arranging the bionic structure. The bionic structure can effectively reduce the turbulent kinetic energy and make the flow more stable; it also can effectively control the hydrofoil surface side-entrant jet and the vortex shedding process of the near wall region.

Originality/value

Based on the above conclusions, the bionic structure of fin-like spines can achieve a significant passive control in the hydrofoil cloud cavitation process.
A lean six sigma framework for continuous and incremental improvement in the oil and gas sector
Authors: Nascimento Daniel Luiz de Mattos , Goncalvez Quelhas Osvaldo Luiz , Gusmão Caiado Rodrigo Goyannes , Tortorella Guilherme Luz , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Rocha-Lona Luis
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore synergies between lean production (LP) and six sigma principles to propose a lean six sigma (LSS) framework for continuous and incremental improvement in the oil and gas sector. The Three-dimensional LSS framework seeks to provide various combinations about the integration between LP principles, DMAIC (define–measure–analyse–improve–control) cycle and plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle to support operations management needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method is composed of two main steps: diagnosis of current problems and proposition of a conceptual framework that qualitatively integrates synergistic aspects of LP and six sigma and analysis of the application of the construct through semi-structured interviews with leaders from oil and gas companies to assess and validate the proposed framework.

Findings

As a result, a conceptual framework of LSS is developed contemplating the integration of LP and six sigma and providing a systemic and holistic approach to problem-solving through continuous and incremental improvement in the oil and gas sector.

Originality/value

This research is different from previous studies because it integrates LP principles, DMAIC and PDCA cycles into a unique framework that fulfils a specific need of oil and gas sector. It presents a customized LSS framework that guides wastes and cost reduction while enhancing quality and reducing process variability to elevate efficiency in operations management of this sector. This is an original research that presents new and original scientific findings.
Fraud diamond, Machiavellianism and fraud intention
Authors: Utami Intiyas , Wijono Sutarto , Noviyanti Suzy , Mohamed Nafsiah
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study aims to test the causality of fraud diamond factors (pressure, rationalization, opportunity and capability) and Machiavellian personality on fraud intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 web-based laboratory experiment. Our subjects are accounting students from various Indonesian universities as surrogates of an accountant of a firm. We analyzed the data using the independent t-test.

Findings

This study provides empirical evidence that the four aspects of fraud diamond, namely pressure, opportunity, rationalization and capability cause fraud intention. Besides, high Machiavellian attitude also causes high fraud intention.

Research limitations/implications

This study is a Web-based one that is subject to the instability of internet access. Specifically, some subjects had to redo the completion of their experimental modules because of the unstable internet connection.

Practical implications

The results of this study suggest organizations to pay attention to their members’ behavioral aspects that can be the symptoms of fraud and to design whistleblowing systems to prevent fraud intention as an opportunity factor within organizations.

Social implications

Social implications are to develop the appropriate whistleblowing system to mitigate the fraud.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in combining the experimental test of fraud diamond (internal and external factors) and Machiavellianism as a personality factor as the determinants of fraud intention. Further, another novelty lies in the use of the antifraud system as a proxy of opportunity that has not yet extensively investigated by previous studies.
Revenue generation capacity of college football programs during the 2008 global financial crisis
Authors: Omondi-Ochieng Peter
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effects of first-mover advantage (FMA) on revenue generation capacity (RGC) of US college football programmes during the 2008 global financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used archival data analysed quantitatively using non-parametric regression in the form of binary logistic regression. The study was then framed and interpreted by the resource-dependence theory.

Findings

FMA was positively and statistically associated with donations, branding, media rights and ticket revenues, but not win–loss records. The binary logistic regression model was correctly classified at 82.1 per cent of the variance and indicated that branding and ticket revenues were mostly associated with FMA.

Research limitations/implications

The study was delimited to public college football programmes in the USA during the 2008 global financial crisis.

Practical implications

The findings indicated that despite the 2008 global financial crisis, FMA was positively associated with RGC but not win–loss records.

Originality/value

The study was pioneering in evaluating the effects of FMA as a source of competitive advantage in college football programmes during the challenging time of the 2008 global financial crisis.
Online brand communities’ contribution to digital business models
Authors: Kucharska Wioleta
Published: October 2019

Purpose

There is limited research examining social drivers and mediators of online brand community identification in the context of business models development. This study aims to identify them behind the social mechanisms and present essential factors which should be applied in business models to foster value co-creation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a convenience sample of 712 cases gathered among young European Facebook users via an electronic survey and analyzed using the structural equation modeling method.

Findings

Customer–other customers’ identification is a pivotal factor in influencing brand community identification.

Practical implications

If companies want to implement online brand communities into business models effectively and co-create brand value, they need deliver brand content useful for customer self-expression and social interaction to enhance consumer-brand identification and customer–customer social bonds which enable to transform the audience into a community. Focusing on the constant reinforcement of online brand community by supporting customer–customer relationships is critical for voluntary value co-creation.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study to the literature on online brand communities is the presentation and empirical verification of pivotal social mechanisms of online brand community identification considered as a starting point to potential co-creation and capturing value based on the social presence theory.
A system dynamics approach for basin policy design: Urmia lake case study
Authors: Lari Alireza , Pishvaee Mir Saman , Khodabakhsh Pouria
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Urmia lake water has impressively decreased recently and seriously endangered the lives of the inhabitants. In this paper, the effects of various factors on the reduction of the lake water are investigated and appropriate scenarios are proposed for future improvement. Due to the significant impact of agricultural issues on this crisis, this paper has focused specifically on agriculture. So, this paper aims to forecast and improve the lake water level.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a system dynamics (SD) model, which is capable to consider various parameters and variables affecting the lake water level within nonlinear and dynamic relations, is developed.

Findings

To show the effectiveness of SD model, real data are used to run the model and the results show that the actual behavior of the lake water is reproduced with high validation (around 98.28 per cent). Also, five different scenarios are proposed to increase lake water volume. The hybrid Scenario 5 (which combines three other scenarios including increasing irrigation efficiency in the agricultural sector, changing cultivation pattern of agricultural products and returning some dams’ water that are consumed in the agricultural sector into the lake) is chosen as the most effective scenario for increasing lake volume about 15 billion m3.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this paper are systemic view to the whole problem, paying attention to the agriculture subject as one of the most important issues, considering many critical variables (e.g. evaporation, salinity and precipitation) and providing improvement policies along with assessing the effects of them.
The impact of market inequality on audit price
Authors: Dunn Kimberly , Kohlbeck Mark , Mayhew Brian
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate policymakers’ concerns about the lack of competition in highly concentrated markets for public company audits by examining the association between audit fees and the inequality of Big 4 market shares at both the USA national-industry and city-industry levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Using publicly available data, this paper uses regression analysis to examine publicly available data to test research hypotheses related to the association between audit market inequalities and audit fees at both the USA national-industry and city-industry levels.

Findings

The findings support a U-shaped association between national-industry inequality and audit fees. As inequality initially increases, fees decrease; however, as inequality becomes increasingly large fees increase. The city-industry level analysis shows the opposite pattern. The results are consistent with capacity constraints at the national-industry level that are less binding at the city-industry level.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides evidence that market inequality has a non-linear association with audit price and contributes to the limited findings in industrial organization research on the importance of market share inequality in highly concentrated markets.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights into the growing body of research on audit market structure by documenting that national-industry and city-industry analysis provides different insights into the market structure. In addition, the sample period for this study (2004-2017) addresses the General Accounting Office (GAO) concern about the lack of a stable audit market in the period it examined (GAO, 2008, p. 94) and finds evidence of market structure effects not present in the earlier GAO studies (GAO, 2003, 2008).
Remanufacturing of end-of-life glass-fiber reinforced composites via UV-assisted 3D printing
Authors: Mantelli Andrea , Levi Marinella , Turri Stefano , Suriano Raffaella
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the potential of three-dimensional printing technology for the remanufacturing of end-of-life (EoL) composites. This technology will enable the rapid fabrication of environmentally sustainable structures with complex shapes and good mechanical properties. These three-dimensional printed objects will have several application fields, such as street furniture and urban renewal, thus promoting a circular economy model.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, a low-cost liquid deposition modeling technology was used to extrude photo-curable and thermally curable composite inks, composed of an acrylate-based resin loaded with different amounts of mechanically recycled glass fiber reinforced composites (GFRCs). Rheological properties of the extruded inks and their printability window and the conversion of cured composites after an ultraviolet light (UV) assisted extrusion were investigated. In addition, tensile properties of composites remanufactured by this UV-assisted technology were studied.

Findings

A printability window was found for the three-dimensional printable GFRCs inks. The formulation of the composite printable inks was optimized to obtain high quality printed objects with a high content of recycled GFRCs. Tensile tests also showed promising mechanical properties for printed GFRCs obtained with this approach.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper consists in the remanufacturing of GFRCs by the three-dimensional printing technology to promote the implementation of a circular economy. This study shows the feasibility of this approach, using mechanically recycled EoL GFRCs, composed of a thermoset polymer matrix, which cannot be melted as in case of thermoplastic-based composites. Objects with complex shapes were three-dimensional printed and presented here as a proof-of-concept.
Slicing heterogeneous solid using octree-based subdivision and trivariate T-splines for additive manufacturing
Authors: Li Bin , Fu Jianzhong , Zhang Yongjie Jessica , Lin Weiyi , Feng Jiawei , Shang Ce
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Majority of the existing direct slicing methods have generated precise slicing contours from different surface representations, they do not carry any interior information. Whereas, heterogeneous solids are highly preferable for designing and manufacturing sophisticated models. To directly slice heterogeneous solids for additive manufacturing (AM), this study aims to present an algorithm using octree-based subdivision and trivariate T-splines.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a direct slicing algorithm for heterogeneous solids using T-splines, which can be applied to AM based on the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. First, trivariate T-splines are constructed using a harmonic field with the gradient direction aligning with the slicing direction. An octree-based subdivision algorithm is then used to directly generate the sliced layers with heterogeneous materials. For FDM-based AM applications, the heterogeneous materials of each sliced layer are discretized into a finite number of partitions. Finally, boundary contours of each separated partition are extracted and paired according to the rules of CuraEngine to generate the scan path for FDM machines equipped with multi-nozzles.

Findings

The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is effective and reliable, especially for solid objects with multiple materials, which could maintain the model integrity throughout the process from the original representation to the final product in AM.

Originality/value

Directly slicing heterogeneous solid using trivariate T-splines will be a powerful supplement to current technologies in AM.
Drivers of the disclosed “connectivity of the capitals”: evidence from integrated reports
Authors: Grassmann Michael , Fuhrmann Stephan , Guenther Thomas W.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Integrated reporting (IR) aims to provide disclosures of the connectivity of non-financial and financial value creation aspects. These disclosures are defined as the disclosed connectivity of the capitals resulting from integrated thinking. This paper aims to investigate the extent of disclosed connectivity of the capitals in integrated reports and its underlying managerial discretion by drawing on economic-based theories.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression analyses are applied to examine the associations between economic firm-level characteristics and the extent of disclosed connectivity of the capitals. The analyses are based on a content analysis of 169 integrated reports disclosed in 2013 and 2014 by Forbes Global 2000 companies.

Findings

This paper finds high heterogeneity in the extent of disclosed connectivity of the capitals in current IR practice. This heterogeneity is related to drivers arising from economic-based theories. Firms’ non-financial and financial performance and the importance of strategic shareholders and debt providers are positively associated with the extent of disclosed connectivity of the capitals. The complexity of the business model and a highly competitive environment are negatively associated with the extent of disclosed connectivity of the capitals.

Research limitations/implications

This paper extends qualitative IR studies on the disclosed connectivity of the capitals by quantitative results from a content analysis for a cross-sectional and global sample. Additionally, this study adds to prior IR literature on the drivers of the binary decision to disclose an integrated report by focusing on the extent of disclosed connectivity of the capitals.

Practical implications

For report preparers, users and standard setters, the results reveal that perceived cost-benefit considerations (signaling vs. direct and proprietary costs) may explain managerial discretion regarding the connectivity of the capitals within integrated reports.

Social implications

This paper examines integrated reports, which are intended to inform providers of financial capital and other stakeholders about the connectivity of the six capitals of the IR framework.

Originality/value

This paper develops a metric disclosure measure of the extent of disclosed connectivity of the capitals. It provides initial evidence of how the IR framework’s focus on this key characteristic is realized in disclosure practice. Concerns about competitive disadvantages and preparation costs limit this key characteristic of integrated reports.
MicroRNA‐520e targets AEG‐1 to suppress the proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer cells through Wnt/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signalling
Authors: Lv Samei , Zhang Jian , He Yu , Liu Qian , Wang Zongyan , Liu Bin , Shi Liping , Wu Youwei
Published: October 2019

MicroRNA‐520e (miR‐520e) is increasingly being recognized as a cancer‐related miRNA in multiple cancer types; however, little is known about its role in colorectal cancer. In this study, we determined the specific role of miR‐520e in colorectal cancer. Expression of miR‐520e was lower in colorectal cancer tissues compared to normal tissues. Overexpression of miR‐520e significantly decreased the proliferation, colony formation and invasion of colorectal cancer cells, while inhibition of miR‐520e exhibited the opposite effect. Moreover, miR‐520e was found to target the 3′‐untranslated region of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 (AEG‐1) and inhibit AEG‐1 expression in colorectal cancer cells. An inverse correlation between miR‐520e and AEG‐1 expression was confirmed in colorectal cancer tissues. Notably, miR‐520e suppressed the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β and decreased the expression of β‐catenin, leading to inactivation of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in colorectal cells. A rescue assay confirmed that miR‐520e regulates cell proliferation, invasion and Wnt/β‐catenin signalling through targeting AEG‐1. Taken together, these results indicate that miR‐520e plays a critical role in regulating colorectal cancer cell proliferation and invasion by inhibiting Wnt/β‐catenin signalling via AEG‐1. Our study highlights the importance of the miR‐520e/AEG‐1/Wnt/β‐catenin signalling axis in colorectal cancer, thus targeting miR‐520e may represent an effective therapeutic strategy.
The parable of the footbridge: Creativity and change in the between
Authors: STOLLER PAUL
Published: October 2019

In this article, the author suggests that anthropologists use the creative power of ‘the between’, an imaginative space of invention, as one way to heal the wounds of contemporary social life. His model for such practice is the sohanci, the sorcerer among the Songhay people of Niger in West Africa. The sohanci is a liminal figure who is always between the village and the bush, between health and illness, between life and death, a vantage that makes him or her a spiritual guardian, a person who dares to use the power of the between to transform social turbulence into social harmony. Like the sohanci, anthropologists have long experience of being between things, and as such, the author argues, they can use the insights derived from their experiences between things to chart paths that lead us to innovation, invention and a future of greater social harmony and social justice. What could be more important for the future of anthropology? What could be more important for the future of us all?
Mahishi's rage: Communitas and protest at Sabarimala, Kerala
Authors: VADAKKINIYIL DINESAN
Published: October 2019

In September 2018, the Supreme Court of India lifted the ban on females of menstrual age entering the sacred site to Lord Ayyappan at Sabarimala in the Indian state of Kerala. Violent protests, for and against, engulfed Kerala throughout the main festival and pilgrimage season of 2018–19. This article explores the major sociopolitical and cultural forces that underpinned the violent protests at one of India’s (and also the world’s) major centres of religious pilgrimage. The central argument extends Victor Turner’s thesis in The ritual process to show how the dynamics of liminality and communitas created an intense vortex of crisis of potentially sociocultural transformational effect.
Is LEO ‘Orwellian'? Earnings, Willetts, OfS, Creative Arts, and the Cost of Higher Education
Authors: Ahlburg Dennis A.
Published: October 2019

The cost of higher education to the taxpayer is determined in part by the choice of subject and institution made by students. The Augar report on higher education noted that there was an oversupply of ‘low value' courses and called on the government to ‘bear down on low value courses' and ‘target courses better aligned with the economy's needs'.1 Until recently there was no reliable data to identify such courses or the institutions supplying them. The Institute for Fiscal Studies has utilised recently available longitudinal education data on earnings, courses and institutions to rectify this deficiency. Many of the lowest earning courses are in the creative arts. Not everyone is happy with using earnings to measure the value of courses. This paper discusses the IFS estimates of graduate earnings and the public cost of higher education, as well as the criticisms of using earnings data to measure the value of courses and institutions.