bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring individual identity information in animal signals: Overview and performance of available identity metrics
Authors: Linhart Pavel , Osiejuk Tomasz , Budka Michal , Šálek Martin , Špinka Marek , Policht Richard , Syrová Michaela , Blumstein Daniel T.
Published: February 2019

Identity signals have been studied for over 50 years but there is no consensus as to how to quantify individuality. While there are a variety of different metrics to quantify individual identity, or individuality, these methods remain un-validated and the relationships between them unclear.

We contrasted three univariate and four multivariate metrics (and their different computational variants) and evaluated their performance on simulated and empirical datasets.

Of the metrics examined, Beecher’s information statistic (HS) was the best one and could easily and reliably be converted into the commonly used discrimination score (and vice versa) after accounting for the number of individuals and calls per individual in a given dataset. Although Beecher’s information statistic is not entirely independent of sampling parameters, this problem can be removed by reducing the number of parameters or by increasing the number of individuals.

Because it is easily calculated, has superior performance, can be used to describe single variables or signal as a whole, and because it tells us the maximum number of individuals that can be discriminated given a set of measurements, we recommend that individuality should be quantified using Beecher’s information statistic.
Comprehensive circular RNA expression profiles in intermuscular fat from lean and obese pigs
Authors: Miao Zhiguo , Zhang Jinzhou , Wang Shan , Wei Paneng
Published: February 2019

Circular RNA (circRNA) plays an important regulatory role in development and differentiation. Intermuscular fat in pork affects the tenderness and juiciness of the meat. In this study, we investigated the performances of Landrace (lean) and Jinhua (obese) pigs at the fattening period and explored the expression profile of circRNAs in intermuscular fat from the two breeds by Illumina high-throughput sequencing. we identified 5 548 circRNAs, specifically 2 651 (47.78%) in the Jinhua pigs, and 2 897 (52.22%) in the Landrace pigs. A totale of 809 differentially expressed circRNAs were observed between the the Jinhua and Landrace pigs, but only 29 of these circRNAs showed significant difference (19 upregulated and 10 downregulated). All 1 306 unigenes and 27 differentially expressed unigenesinvolved in lipid transport and metabolism; replication, recombination and repair; and signaling pathway were annotated. A total of 550 target miRNAs were perfect seed matches and 20 522 target genes were foundBy RNAhybrid and miRanda software prediction. Results from real-time quantitative PCR also confirmed the differential expression of 13 mRNAs between the two pig breeds. This study provides comprehensive expression profiles of circRNAs in Sus scrofa adipose metabolism and development, which can be used to clarify their functions.

Summary statement

The paper explored the expression profile of circRNAs in intermuscular fat from Landrace and Jinhua pigs at the fattening period, to provide insights into circRNAregulation in animal adipose metabolism.
Transcriptome Analysis of juvenile Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) with symptom of stunted growth
Authors: Fang Huaiyi , Song Jingjing , Gong Bin , Pang Tingcai , Peng Chunyan
Published: February 2019

In search for viruses associated with Litopenaeus vannamei with symptom of stunted growth, we have undertaken a comparative transcriptome analysis of total RNA sequences using Illumina based high-throughput sequencing (HTS). We obtain 89000242 and 95126160 high-quality clean reads from cDNA libraries of L.vannamei with stunted growth symptom (sick group) and health shrimp (health group control), respectively. Totally, 108221 unigenes with an average length of 716 bp were obtained from RNA-seq data. The unigenes were annotated against NR, NT, KO, KOG, SwissProt, PFAM and GO databases. 3975 (3.67%) showed significant matches in all the above databases and 39812 (36.78%) unigenes were annotated in at least one database. Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed that 807 significantly differentially expressed unigenes were identified, including 282 down-regulated genes and 525 up-regulated genes. Thirteen up-regulated virus-related genes were only discovered in the sick shrimp groups, but not in health ones. Five of them were closely related to virus family Picornaviridae. From phylogenetic tree, we could find five viral genes were closely related to genus Ampvirus, Falcovirus, Aquamavirus (Seal picornavirus). Some up-regulated genes in the Sick groups mainly included genes involved in virus infecting processes concerning antigen processing and presenting, apoptosis, lysosome, phagosome and inflammation. While, many down-regulated genes in the Sick groups mainly involved in the process of starch and sucrose metabolism, and protein digestion and absorption. Our research provided some useful information about pathogenic factor and mechanism on the stunted growth symptom of L.vannamei, and was significant for the control and prevention of this disease.
Forest fragmentation and impacts of intensive agriculture: responses from functional groups of the tree community
Authors: Tenius Ribeiro Juliana C. , Nunes-Freitas André Felippe , Uzêda Mariella Camardelli
Published: February 2019

Agricultural landscapes are seen as areas of extreme importance for studying and developing strategies that integrate biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services with food production. The main strategies for intensifying agriculture are based on conventional practices of frequently using agricultural inputs for fertilization and correction of soil pH. Some studies show that these practices generate impacts on nearby forest fragments through soil contamination, causing an increase in nutrient content. The objective of this study was to identify the impacts on the functional groups of sciophilous and heliophilous species of a tree community of 14 forest fragments near agricultural areas under conventional practices, and raised the hypothesis that the higher the fertility of forest fragments adjacent to intensive agriculture modifies the floristic composition of the tree community. The floristic composition of fragments close to agricultural areas are more similar to each other and the General Linear Model (GLM) results show a clear influence of the intensive farming environment on the richness and abundance of the two functional groups in the forest fragments, directly benefiting the abundance of heliophilous species which are also benefited by the greater declivity and smaller fragment area, while the abundance of sciophytes is negatively correlated with these last two variables. The increase of calcium content is beneficial for the richness of heliophilous species, while the increase in phosphorus content influences a reduction in the richness of sciophyte species, which also respond strongly to the isolation between fragments. The results indicate a dominance trend of pioneer species in nutritionally enriched soils, evidencing that the intense adoption of inputs in cultivated areas causes concrete impacts on the diversity of the tree community of forest fragments, being more determinant for the species richness than the size of the fragments.
A generic cell surface ligand system for studying cell-cell recognition
Authors: Denham Eleanor M , Barton Michael I , Black Susannah M , Bridge Marcus J , Wet Ben de , Paterson Rachel L , der Merwe P. Anton van , Goyette Jesse
Published: February 2019

Dose-response experiments are a mainstay of receptor biology studies and can reveal valuable insights into receptor function. Such studies of receptors that bind cell surface ligands are currently limited by the difficulty in manipulating the surface density of ligands at a cell-cell interface. Here we describe a generic cell surface ligand system that allows precise manipulation of cell surface ligand densities over several orders of magnitude. We validate the system for a range of immunoreceptors, including the T cell receptor (TCR), and show that this generic ligand stimulates via the TCR at a similar surface density as its native ligand. This system allows the effect of surface density, valency, dimensions, and affinity of the ligand to be manipulated. It can be readily extended to other receptor-cell surface ligand interactions, and will facilitate investigation into the activation of, and signal integration between, cell surface receptors.
The effect of memantine, an antagonist of the NMDA glutamate receptor, in in vitro and in vivo infections by Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Souza Higo Fernando Santos , Rocha Sandra Carla , Damasceno Flávia Silva , Rapado Ludmila Nakamura , Pral Elisabeth Mieko Furusho , Marinho Claudio Romero Farias , Silber Ariel Mariano
Published: February 2019

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected tropical disease that affects 5-6 million people in endemic areas of the Americas. Presently, chemotherapy relies on two compounds that were proposed as trypanocidal drugs four decades ago: nifurtimox and benznidazole. Both drugs are able to eliminate parasitemia and to avoid seroconversion in infected people when used in the acute phase; however, their use in the chronic phase (the time when the majority of cases are diagnosed) is limited due to their serious side effects. Memantine is a glutamate receptor antagonist in the central nervous system of mammals that has been used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Our group previously reported memantine as a trypanocidal drug that is able to induce apoptosis-like death in T. cruzi. In the present work, we further investigated the effects of memantine on the infection of RAW 264.7 macrophages in vivo (in BALB/c mice). Here, we showed that memantine is able to diminish NO and Ca2+ entry in both LPS-activated and non-activated cells. These results, together with the fact that memantine was also able to reduce the infection of macrophages, led us to propose that this drug is able to activate a pro-oxidant non-NO-dependent cell defense mechanism. Finally, infected mice that were treated with memantine had diminished parasitemia, cardiac parasitic load, and inflammatory infiltrates. In addition, the treated mice had an increased survival rate. Taken together, these results indicate memantine to be a candidate drug for the treatment of Chagas disease.

Author summary

Chagas disease affects approximately 5 million people and is caused by the protist parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Until now, there are no vaccines to prevent the human infection, and the therapy relies on the use of two drugs discovered more than 50 years ago, nifurtimox and benznidazole. Both drugs are efficient during the acute phase of the disease, however their efficacy in the chronic phase, when most of patients are diagnosed is controversial. In addition, both drugs are toxic, causing severe side effects during the treatment. For these reasons, new drugs against T. cruzi are urgently needed. In this work, we report a series of experiments supporting the repositioning of memantine, a drug used for treating Alzheimer’s disease, to treat the T. cruzi infection in an experimental infection model. Our data show that infected mice treated with memantine have diminished their parasitemia, cardiac parasitic load and inflammatory infiltrates and more importantly, they have diminished their mortality. Taken together, these results prompt memantine as a promising drug for treating Chagas disease.
Plantarflexor Torque and Work is Positively Correlated with Medial Gastrocnemius Fascicle Length in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Drazan John F , Hullfish Todd J , Baxter Josh R
Published: February 2019

Ankle kinetics are critical for ambulatory function in elite athletes, the elderly, and many patient populations. Despite the robust findings linking plantarflexor muscle structure to gross function with these populations, the link between plantarflexor fascicle length and ankle kinetics has not been established in the literature. In this study, we determined the relationship between muscle structure and peak torque and total work produced by the plantarflexors during maximal effort contractions. We measured resting fascicle length and pennation angle of the medial gastrocnemius using ultrasound in healthy adult subjects (n=12). Subjects performed contractions on a dynamometer during isokinetic and isometric conditions. Longer fascicles were positively correlated with higher peak torque and total work (R2 > 0.41, p < 0.013) across all isokinetic velocities. Higher pennation angles were negatively correlated with peak torque and total work (R2 > 0.296, p < 0.067). None of these correlations were significant in isometric conditions. This provides experimental evidence demonstrating the link between plantarflexor muscle structure and ankle kinetics in healthy young adults which has hitherto not been experimentally demonstrated in existing literature.
Intervention-Induced Changes in Cortical Connectivity and Activity in Severe Chronic Hemiparetic Stroke
Authors: Wilkins Kevin B. , Dewald Julius P.A. , Yao Jun
Published: February 2019

Objective

Effective interventions have demonstrated the ability to improve motor function by reengaging ipsilesional resources, which has been shown to be critical and feasible for hand function recovery even in individuals with severe chronic stroke. However, the question remains how these focal activity changes (i.e., changes in activity within motor regions) relate to altered cortico-cortico interactions within/across multiple regions.

Methods

Eight individuals with severe chronic stroke participated in a device-assisted intervention. Pre- and post-intervention, we collected EEG while performing hand opening with/without lifting the paretic arm. We quantified changes in focal cortical activity at movement execution and connectivity during movement preparation.

Results

Post-intervention, individuals displayed a reduction in coupling from ipsilesional M1 to contralesional M1 within gamma frequencies during movement preparation for hand opening. This was followed by a reduction in activity in contralesional primary sensorimotor cortex during movement execution. Meanwhile, during lifting and opening, a more inhibitory coupling within ipsilesional M1 from gamma to beta frequencies was accompanied by an increase in ipsilesional primary sensorimotor cortex activity.

Conclusions

Changes in coupling within or between motor regions during movement preparation complement topographical activity changes at movement execution.

Significance

Our results suggest that changes in cortico-cortico interactions may lead to corresponding changes in focal cortical activity.
Post-reconstruction 3D single-distance phase retrieval for multi-stage phase-contrast tomography with photon-counting detectors
Authors: Brun Francesco , Brombal Luca , Di Trapani Vittorio , Delogu Pasquale , Donato Sandro , Dreossi Diego , Rigon Luigi , Longo Renata
Published: February 2019

In the case of single-distance propagation-based phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography with synchrotron radiation, the conventional reconstruction pipeline includes an independent 2D phase retrieval filtering of each acquired projection prior to the actual reconstruction. In order to compensate for the limited height of the X-ray beam or the small sensitive area of most modern X-ray photon-counting detectors, it is quite common to image large objects with a multi-stage approach, i.e. several acquisitions at different vertical positions of the sample. In this context, the conventional reconstruction pipeline may introduce artifacts at the margins of each vertical stage. This article presents a modified computational protocol where a post-reconstruction 3D volume phase retrieval is applied. By comparing the conventional 2D and the proposed 3D reconstructions of a large mastectomy specimen (9 cm in diameter and 3 cm in height), it is here shown that the 3D approach compensates for the multi-stage artifacts, it avoids refined projection stitching, and the image quality in terms of spatial resolution, contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio is preserved.
First crystal structures of metal complexes with a 4-nitropyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ligand and the third crystal form of the ligand
Authors: Jaćimović Željko K. , Novaković Sladjana B. , Bogdanović Goran A. , Giester Gerald , Kosović Milica , Libowitzky Eugen
Published: February 2019

Pyrazole (pz)-derived ligands can, besides exhibiting a strong coordination ability toward different metal ions, exhibit a great diversity in their coordination geometry and nuclearity, which can be achieved by varying the type and position of the pz substituents. The present study reports the synthesis and crystal structure of two binuclear complexes, namely bis(μ-4-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-ide-5-carboxylato)-κ3
N
1,O:N
2;κ3
N
2:N
1,O-bis[aqua(dimethylformamide-κO)copper(II)], [Cu2(C4HN3O4)2(C3H7NO)2(H2O)2], (II), and bis(μ-4-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-ide-5-carboxylato)-κ2
N
1,O:N
2;κ2
N
2:N
1,O-bis[triaquacobalt(II)] dihydrate, [Co2(C4HN3O4)2(H2O)6]·2H2O, (III). These compounds represent rare examples of metal complexes comprising 3,4-substituted pz derivatives as a bridging ligand and also the first crystal structures of transition-metal complexes with ligands derived from 4-nitropyrazole-3-carboxylic acid. Recently, the crystal structures of the same ligand in the neutral and mixed neutral/anionic forms have been reported. We present here the third form of this ligand, where it is present in a fully deprotonated anionic form within a salt, i.e. ammonium 4-nitropyrazole-3-carboxylate, NH4
+·C4H2N3O4
−, (I). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that in the present complexes, the CuII and CoII centres adopt distorted square-pyramidal and octahedral geometries, respectively. In both cases, the N,N′,O-coordinated pz ligand shows simultaneously chelating and bridging coordination modes, leading to the formation of a nearly planar six-membered M
2N4 metallocycle. In all three crystal structures, the supramolecular arrangement is controlled by strong hydrogen bonds which primarily engage the carboxylate O atoms as acceptors, while the nitro group adopts the role of an acceptor only in structures with an increased number of donors, as is the case with CoII complex (III). The electrostatic potential, as a descriptor of reactivity, was also calculated in order to examine the changes in ligand electrostatic preferences upon coordination to metal ions.
A half-sandwich TaV dichlorido complex containing an O,N,O′-tridentate Schiff base ligand: synthesis, crystal structure and in vitro cytotoxicity
Authors: Trávníček Zdeněk , Štarha Pavel , Čajan Michal , Dvořák Zdeněk
Published: February 2019

A new electroneutral half-sandwich tantalum(V) dichlorido complex containing pentamethylcyclopentadienyl (Cp*) and the double-deprotonated version of the Schiff base 2-ethoxy-6-{(E)-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenol (H2
L) as ligands, namely cis-dichlorido(2-ethoxy-6-{(E)-[(2-oxidophenyl)imino]methyl}phenolato-κ3
O,N,O′)(η5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)tantalum(V), [Ta(C10H15)(C15H13NO3)Cl2] or [Ta(η5-Cp*)(L)Cl2], has been prepared and thoroughly characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The molecular structure revealed that the TaV centre is coordinated by a η5-Cp* ligand, two monodentate chlorido ligands and one O,N,O′-tridentate L
2− ligand. The crystal structure is stabilized by C—H...C, C—H...Cl and C...C intermolecular interactions. Moreover, the complex shows notable in vitro cytotoxicity against the A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cell line, with IC50 = 14.4 µM, which is higher than that of the conventional platinum-based anticancer drug cisplatin (IC50 = 20.1 µM).
Polymorphic crystals of oxacalix[4]arene with 1,3-alternate conformations of S
4 and C
2 symmetry
Authors: Hori Akiko , Betsugi Erina , Ikumura Yoshinori , Yoza Kenji
Published: February 2019

Calix[4]arene and oxacalix[4]arene derivatives have eight possible conformations in the up and down directions of their four aromatic rings from the mean plane of a bridged central ring, the conformations of which determine the functionality of the host frameworks. Despite being a known compound for five decades, oxacalix[4]arene, C24H16O4, has not been characterized previously by crystallographic methods. It crystallizes from hexane/CH2Cl2 solution to give two polymorphs, i.e. prismatic and block-shaped crystals as twisted 1,3-alternate structures with S
4 and C
2 symmetry, respectively. These were previously suggested as the prefered stable conformations by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Life-cycle cost comparison of chip seal and striping: in-house workers versus private contractors
Authors: Shrestha Kishor , Shrestha Pramen P. , Lidder Mylinh
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To maintain road systems in the USA, state departments of transportation (DOTs) generally use in-house workers or private contractors. Limited studies have calculated the cost savings of hiring private contractors; however, most of them have not calculated cost savings based on life-cycle costs (LCCs). The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the LCC of chip seal and stripping maintenance activities performed by in-house workers are cheaper than those performed by private contractors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper collected the hard cost data of chip seal and stripping maintenance activities performed by state DOT in-house workers, as well as private contractors, from 2003 to 2016 from the Nevada DOT Maintenance and Asset Management division. Statistical tests were conducted to test the research hypothesis that the LCC of chip seal and stripping activities performed by in-house workers are significantly less than those performed by private contractors.

Findings

The study results showed that the cost per unit and LCC of chip seal and striping work performed by in-house workers were significantly less than those performed by private contractors in Nevada.

Research limitations/implications

The study only collected data from Nevada DOT, so readers should use caution in generalizing the findings of this study. Additionally, factors affecting the cost of these maintenance activities for private contractors are significantly different compared to in-house contractors. Therefore, these differences may be some of the potential reasons for cost difference between these two methods.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this study are that state DOT engineers need to plan for outsourcing chip seal and stripping maintenance activities only to private contractors that are cost effective, based on life-cycle cost.

Originality/value

The LCC analysis framework developed in this study will help state DOT engineers to determine cost savings by using in-house workers for road maintenance works.
Researching learning environments and students’ innovation competences
Authors: Keinänen Meiju Marika , Kairisto-Mertanen Liisa
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an example of pedagogical strategy, called innovation pedagogy, and study whether its learning environments (activating teaching and learning methods, working life orientation and research, development and innovation (RDI) integration, multidisciplinary learning environments, flexible curricula, entrepreneurship and internationalization) can be associated with students’ innovation competences (creativity, critical thinking, initiative, teamwork and networking).

Design/methodology/approach

In this case study, the electronic self-assessment questionnaire was distributed to third- and fourth-year bachelor students (n=236) from one Finnish university of applied sciences at the end of the Spring semester in 2017.

Findings

Two profiles of students concerning their level of innovation competences can be identified. The level of students’ innovation competences is associated with all the six elements of learning environments. The more students have experience with learning environments of innovation pedagogy, the higher they scored when assessed for their innovation competences.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the case study setting and a limited sample, there are limitations to the generalizability of the findings.

Originality/value

Focusing on different levels of innovation competences of students and approaching their study path in more detail, it could be better understood how to develop more effective education, and thus, respond to the demands of an innovation society. This study extends approaches on research in education and innovation and strengthens the understanding that learning environments should be versatile and include many-sided learning opportunities. It also shows that implementing pedagogical strategy needs lot of work to be revealed in practice.
Tacit knowledge transfer from a master to an apprentice among hairdressers
Authors: Agyemang Franklin Gyamfi , Boateng Henry
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the factors affecting tacit knowledge transfer from a master to an apprentice in the informal sector among hairdressers in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was used as the research design. Convenient sampling technique was used to select 47 master hairdressers. Semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection. Data were analysed using the thematic technique.

Findings

The study found that apprenticeship fee, fear of competition, delegation reasons, joy and pride of mentorship, apprentices’ attitude and time, to be significant factors influencing tacit knowledge transfer from a master to an apprentice. It was also evident that time spent with master as he/she performs or works is crucial to learning as most of the learning is through socializing with the master.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the study is the use of the convenient sampling technique in choosing the participants. The results of this study, if it has to be generalised to all hairdressers in Ghana, it may have to be done with caution since the participants were not drawn from a pool of all master hairdressers in Ghana.

Practical implications

The paper provides what apprentices must do to acquire the tacit knowledge of master hairdressers.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the holder of tacit knowledge (master hairdressers) and reveals their motivations to transfer or hoard their tacit knowledge.
Circular economy and real estate: the legal (im)possibilities of operational lease
Authors: Ploeger Hendrik , Prins Matthijs , Straub Ad , Van den Brink Robert
Published: February 2019

Purpose

A paradigm in circular economy (CE) is that suppliers retain ownership of their products and materials, and that the users “only” pay for services. In many legal systems, however, elements incorporated in a building are considered to be fixtures, and therefore legally part of the building. This means that ensuring multi-cyclic behaviour of individual building elements (e.g. the facade or a window) is not so evident. This paper explores, from the perspective of Dutch law, how to secure the ownership of the supplier or to find alternatives within the existing system of property law.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors performed a literature review of both CE and (Dutch) property law. The results of these reviews are discussed and illustrated by legal case studies.

Findings

The options principally advocated within CE to retain ownership of building parts leave legal uncertainties and do not offer a solid basis for the development of circular business models, especially considering immovables and fixtures. For these categories, buy-back and take-back contracts, and models for reuse and recycling seem more promising.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to a literature review. Although the legal principles discussed in this paper are valid for both civil and common law systems, and similar findings might, therefore, be expected internationally, this study focused on the specific Dutch legal context. Comparative legal research and research of best practices in the building industry is needed to test the applicability of the findings in an international context.

Practical implications

Following the findings, CE initiatives within real estate and the construction industry should focus on alternative implementations of the operational lease concept, taking into account CE’s ambitions to reduce the extraction of raw materials.

Originality/value

At the moment the challenges that property law poses CE, real estate and operational lease are hardly discussed within the literature. This paper explores this gap.
The effect of facilities management of common areas on the environment domain of quality of life or older people in private buildings
Authors: Leung Mei-yung , Liang Qi , Pynoos Jon
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The world was facing significant aging challenges. Aging in place has long been advocated which reflected the preference of older people to stay in their own home as long as possible. A huge amount of older people resided in private buildings that consist of both indoor settings (i.e. individual unit flats) and outdoor settings (i.e. common areas like lobby and corridor). The effect of indoor environment on the quality of life of the older people has been investigated, while this paper aims to examine the different effect of common areas environment for the older people.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was administered among over 300 older people living in private buildings. Multiple statistical techniques, including reliability test, correlation coefficient and multiple regression models, were used to analyze the collected data to determine the interactions between facilities management of the common areas in private buildings and the environment domain of quality of life for older people.

Findings

The final results were concluded based on the congruence of all the statistical results, which covered the identification of facilities management factors in common areas of private buildings that could influence the environment domain of quality of life for older people, including overall environment, health-care accessibility, information acquisition and transportation aspects; the overall environment was positively predicted by space and security in common areas of private building; health-care accessibility was positively affected by space, barrier-free facilities and recreational facilities; the information acquisition was only positively predicted by security; transportation was positively predicted by distance and recreational facilities; and building services of common areas in private buildings had no effect on the environment domain of quality of life for older people.

Originality/value

Practical recommendations have been made to improve the facilities management of common areas in private buildings to ensure the quality of life for older people, including provision of walking assistance, motion or infrared controlled systems and so on. This study contributed to enhance current understanding of the interactions between the older people and their living environment.
Numerical simulation of annular bubble plume by vortex in cell method
Authors: Nguyen Van Luc , Degawa Tomohiro , Uchiyama Tomomi
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to provide discussions of the numerical method and the bubbly flow characteristics of an annular bubble plume.

Design/methodology/approach

The bubbles, released from the annulus located at the bottom of the domain, rise owing to buoyant force. These released bubbles have diameters of 0.15–0.25 mm and satisfy the bubble flow rate of 4.1 mm3/s. The evolution of the three-dimensional annular bubble plume is numerically simulated using the semi-Lagrangian–Lagrangian (semi-L–L) approach. The approach is composed of a vortex-in-cell method for the liquid phase and a Lagrangian description of the gas phase.

Findings

First, a new phenomenon of fluid dynamics was discovered. The bubbly flow enters a transition state with the meandering motion of the bubble plume after the early stable stage. A vortex structure in the form of vortex rings is formed because of the inhomogeneous bubble distribution and the fluid-surface effects. The vortex structure of the flow deforms as three-dimensionality appears in the flow before the flow fully develops. Second, the superior abilities of the semi-L–L approach to analyze the vortex structure of the flow and supply physical details of bubble dynamics were demonstrated in this investigation.

Originality/value

The semi-L–L approach is applied to the simulation of the gas–liquid two-phase flows.
Mitigating e-services avoidance: the role of government cybersecurity preparedness
Authors: Abdelhamid Mohamed , Kisekka Victoria , Samonas Spyridon
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand why individuals choose to avoid using e-services due to security concerns and perceived risk when these factors are affected by the perceived degree of government cybersecurity preparedness against cyberattacks.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt the information systems success model to predict the role of government security preparedness efforts in influencing the determinants of e-services avoidance. The conceptual model includes four variables: security concerns, perceived risk of cyberattacks, perceived government cybersecurity preparedness and e-services avoidance. Data from 774 participants were used to analyze our conceptual model.

Findings

First, the findings show that security concerns regarding personal information safety and perceived risk of cyberattacks are barriers to e-services use, with the former having a stronger effect. Second, the findings showed that perceived government cybersecurity preparedness significantly reduces security concerns and perceived risk of cyberattacks. Third, the post hoc group analysis between individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher versus those without a bachelor’s degree showed that the effect of both security concerns and perceived risk of cyberattacks on e-services avoidance was greater for individuals without a bachelor’s degree. The same relationship between perceived risk of cyberattacks and e-services avoidance was not supported for individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Originality/value

Extant privacy research fails to adequately examine the role of institutional factors, such as government efforts, and how these mitigate or amplify cybersecurity concerns and risks related to e-services. This research takes the first step toward addressing this limitation by examining the influence of government cybersecurity preparedness efforts on the determinants of e-services avoidance.
An integrated framework for the adoption and continuance intention to use mobile payment apps
Authors: Humbani Michael , Wiese Melanie
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test an integrated model of the modified technology readiness index (TRI) with the extended expectation-confirmation model, in the context of information technology (E-ECM-IT) to explain the adoption and the intention to continue to use mobile payment applications (apps).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 426 users of mobile payment apps across South Africa. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to validate the factor structure of the measurement items while structural equation modelling was employed to validate the proposed model and testing the hypotheses.

Findings

The overall model explained 81 per cent of variance in adoption and 78.5 per cent in the intention to continue to use mobile payment services. “Drivers” were better predictors of adoption than “inhibitors” while satisfaction emerged as the strongest predictor of continuance intentions.

Originality/value

To the best knowledge of the authors, this study is the first to empirically test an integrated modified TRI and E-ECM-IT model to supplement the paucity of research on the topic. The results show that the integrated model provides an enhanced way to understand the factors that influence adoption and continuance intention towards mobile payment apps. The results also add to existing knowledge of mobile technology literature.
A meta-analytical study of technological acceptance in banking contexts
Authors: Santini Fernando De Oliveira , Ladeira Wagner Junior , Sampaio Cláudio Hoffmann , Perin Marcelo Gattermann , Dolci Pietro Cunha
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic framework with a meta-analytical approach to find various types of antecedents, consequences and moderation effects of the technological acceptance model (TAM) in banking contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a meta-analysis of a total of 142 articles, which generated 636 observations, in an accumulated sample of 45,781 respondents.

Findings

The findings of this meta-analysis demonstrated 18 constructs that were antecedent to the TAM and four constructs that functioned as consequences. Most of these relationships were significant and consistent. The authors also found some methodological, cultural, economic and theoretical moderations effects between TAM constructs and the attitudes/behavioural intentions of banking technological devices.

Research limitations/implications

This meta-analysis reviewed the relationships found worldwide in the literature on TAM constructs in banking contexts. It was possible to identify new avenues for future research. Some specific limitations, such as the non-use of qualitative studies and the clipping of adverse concepts, exist in the secondary data and should be registered.

Practical implications

The work could assist managers in decision-making because the findings resulting from the meta-analysis are more consistent than those from traditional primary surveys.

Originality/value

This research tested the impact of the antecedents, consequences and moderators of the TAM in the banking sector and presented important results via a meta-analytical review. This meta-analysis contributes to the marketing literature by offering a set of empirical generalisations, including relationship coefficients and calculated fail-safe numbers.
Emotional comprehension of a name-brand coffee shop: focus on lovemarks theory
Authors: Song HakJun , Bae So Young , Han Heesup
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to identify the structural relationships among the drivers of lovemarks (mystery, sensuality, intimacy, trust, reputation and performance), lovemarks (brand love and brand respect) and loyalty of a name-brand coffee shop.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, a self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted, and after eliminating the outliers, a total of 401 data were analyzed using the SPSS and AMOS statistical packages.

Findings

The results of the current study indicate that both customers’ brand love and respect are positively related to their brand loyalty and sensuality, intimacy, trust among drivers of lovemarks directly affecting their brand loyalty, suggesting that the theory of lovemarks is useful to understand the process of generating brand loyalty. Moreover, it was revealed that reputation and performance are significant antecedents of brand respect, while mystery, sensuality and intimacy are important to explain brand love.

Practical implications

The present research informed that effectively dealing with two constituents of lovemarks (brand love and brand respect) are of utmost importance in building patrons’ brand loyalty. In addition, patrons’ cognitive and emotional experiences should be improved to boost the level of loyalty for a name-brand coffee shop.

Originality/value

This study made a contribution to the literature by conceptually and empirically evaluating lovemarks’ dimensions simultaneously in the name-brand coffee shop environment. In addition, this research was the first attempt to explicate loyalty formation for a name-brand coffee shop by using the lovemarks theory.
Lesson study beyond Japan: evaluating impact
Authors: Seleznyov Sarah
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings from a systematic literature review of recent studies of the implementation of Japanese lesson study beyond Japan, reviewing evidence of impact and robustness of the studies. Two studies of the implementation of lesson study from outside the timeframe for the literature review are also reviewed in detail, in order to explore the problematic nature of impact evaluation of lesson study.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review of 154 English language studies of the implementation of lesson study with in-service teachers beyond Japan published between 2006 and 2016 identifies 56 as a measuring impact. A lesson study-specific adaptation of Guskey’s (2000) five levels for the evaluation of professional development enables an analysis of the types of impact measured. An analysis using the Maryland Scientific Method Scale (MSMS) enables a review of robustness. Two recent robust studies from beyond this timeframe are then analysed in detail in terms of their framing of lesson study as an intervention and selection of related impact measures.

Findings

The literature review and subsequent analysis shows that studies are largely small-scale US case studies ranking as 1, or “least robust” on MSMS. Studies demonstrate the impact of lesson study on teacher learning and positive reactions, but little evidence of it making a difference to teaching, nor of the impact on schools’ professional learning cultures and structures, is present. The detailed analysis of the two recent studies shows that there are many potential pitfalls for researchers to avoid when measuring the impact of lesson study, specifically in relation to distinguishing lesson study as a professional development intervention, and measuring its impact accordingly.

Research limitations/implications

The systematic review is limited to articles available in the English language, and there is a clear bias towards the USA. The study suggests that future research on lesson study in the UK and beyond should evaluate the implementation of lesson study over a larger scale, gather evidence of the difference lesson study makes to daily teaching and learning, and to its effect on school culture and structures.

Practical implications

The study suggests that researchers should pay careful attention to the fact that lesson study is not an end in itself, merely a means to achieve an identified change to teaching and learning, and design impact measures accordingly.

Originality/value

Unlike other systematic reviews of lesson study, this study analyses the impact evidence for lesson study that might be seen as most relevant to its introduction in cultural and structural contexts beyond Japan. It also explores in detail the potential pitfalls of lesson study impact evaluations, offering guidance to both practitioners and researchers.
The relationship between trading volume and exchange rate volatility: linear or nonlinear?
Authors: Kumar Satish
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the linear and nonlinear relations between returns volatility and trading volume for the Indian currency futures market.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine the contemporaneous relation between returns volatility and volume, the author uses the generalized method of moment estimator. For the linear causal relation, the author makes use of Granger (1969) bivariate vector autoregression model. The author tests for nonlinear Granger causality between returns volatility and trading volume based on a modified version of the Baek and Brock (1992) nonparametric technique developed by Hiemstra and Jones (1994).

Findings

The results indicate a negative contemporaneous relation between returns volatility and trading volume; therefore, the mixture of distribution hypothesis is not supported. The results of both linear and nonlinear Granger causality between futures returns volatility and trading volume indicate a significant bidirectional relation between the two variables lending support to the sequential arrival of information hypothesis. The results are robust to divergence of opinions as proxied by open interest.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper are important for the participants in the market and regulators. The participants in the market require alternatives to diversify their risk. The significant causal relation between returns volatility and trading volume implies that trading volume helps predict the futures prices and should lead to creation of more reliable hedging strategies for investment purposes. Furthermore, it may interest the regulators who need to decide upon the appropriateness of their policies in the currency futures market.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, there is no study that investigates the forecast ability of trading volume to futures returns volatility in an emerging currency futures market. Given that currency futures market is one of the largest markets in the world, and Indian rupee has seen wide fluctuations in the recent years, it seems exciting to explore the price–volume relation in the Indian currency futures market.
Antecedents of women managers’ resilience: conceptual discussion and implications for HRM
Authors: Tabassum Naznin , Shafique Sujana , Konstantopoulou Anastasia , Arslan Ahmad
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a framework with the antecedents of women managers’ resilience in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This developmental study uses a comprehensive literature review and a set of propositions to identify the antecedent of women managers’ resilience and develops a conceptual framework for resilience.

Findings

The results indicate that in addition to personal resilience traits, interactive engagement with the work environment, career adaptability and positive human resource management (HRM) interventions are the main antecedents of women managers’ resilience.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to theory by providing a new perspective on the study of resilience as a process at the organisational level and as a trait at personal level. It contributes to the women employee-centric resilience discussion in HRM literature and explores the relationship between resilience and women managers’ career progression. This is a developmental study, and despite the strengths of the undertaken approach, there are a number of limitations due to the lack of empirical evidence. Therefore, future research activities should focus on validating the framework and determining any potential boundaries of this resilience framework.

Practical implications

The study reveals a number of practical implications leading to a recommended resilience toolkit for HR managers of organisations to develop and promote resilience in their women managers and aspiring managers.

Social implications

The social implications of this study include the social relationships within the work-setting, better employee engagement and interaction with the work environment and flexible career progression pathways.

Originality/value

The paper is based on rich conceptual and theoretical discussion that identifies the key antecedents of women managers’ resilience. The study also conceptually establishes the moderating relationship between women managers’ resilience and work stress and burnout.