bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aluinsertion-mediated dsRNA structure formation with pre-existingAluelements as a novel disease-causing mechanism
Authors: Masson Emmanuelle , Maestri Sandrine , Bordeau Valérie , Cooper David N. , Férec Claude , Chen Jian-Min
Published: January 2020

We previously identified a homozygousAluinsertion variant (Alu_Ins) in the 3’-UTR of theSPINK1gene as the cause of a novel pediatric disease. Although we established thatAlu_Ins leads to the complete loss ofSPINK1mRNA expression, the precise mechanisms remained elusive. Here we aimed to elucidate these mechanisms through a hypothesis-driven approach. Initially, we speculated thatAlu_Ins could independently disrupt mRNA 3’ end formation and/or affect other post-transcriptional processes such as nuclear export and translation, due to its particular location. However, the presence ofAlu_Ins in the 3’-UTR resulted in only an ~50% reduction in luciferase reporter activity compared to the wild-type, suggesting the involvement of additional mechanisms. Using RepeatMasker, we identified twoAluelements withinSPINK1’s third intron, both of which resided in an orientation opposite to that ofAlu_Ins. Through RNAfold predictions and full-length gene expression assays designed to examine orientation-dependent interactions betweenAlurepeats, we present evidence linking the detrimental effect ofAlu_Ins to extensive double-stranded RNA structures formed betweenAlu_Ins and pre-existing intronicAlusequences. Our results reveal a novel pathogenetic mechanism involving anAluinsertion, highlighting the importance of considering interactions between new and pre-existingAluelements in inverted orientations within disease-associated genes.
Maintaining oxidized H3 in heterochromatin is required for the oncogenic capacity of triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Serra-Bardenys Gemma , Tian Tian , Blanco Enrique , Querol Jessica , Pascual-Reguant Laura , Morancho Beatriz , Escorihuela Marta , Segura-Bayona Sandra , Verde Gaetano , Cigliano Riccardo Aiese , Millanes-Romero Alba , Jerónimo Celia , Nuciforo Paolo , Simonetti Sara , Viaplana Cristina , Dienstmann Rodrigo , Saura Cristina , Peg Vicente , Stracker Travis , Arribas Joaquín , Villanueva Josep , Di Croce Luciano , de Herreros Antonio García , Peiró Sandra
Published: January 2020

The histone modification of H3 oxidized at lysine 4 (H3K4ox) is catalyzed by lysyl oxidase–like 2 (LOXL2) and is enriched in heterochromatin in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Although H3K4ox has been linked to the maintenance of compacted chromatin, the molecular mechanism underlying this maintenance is unknown. Here we show that H3K4ox is read by the CRL4B complex, leading to the ubiquitination of histone H2A through the E3 ligase RBX1. Finally, interactions between RUVBL1/2 and LOXL2 are involved in the incorporation of the histone variant H2A.Z, which plays an essential role in the mechanism controlling the dynamics of oxidized H3. Maintenance of H3K4ox in chromatin is essential for heterochromatin properties, and disruption of any of the members involved in this pathway blocks the oncogenic properties of TNBC cells.
The gut microbiota limits Th2 immunity toHeligmosomoides polygyrus bakeriinfection
Authors: Russell Gabriel A. , Faubert Cynthia , Verdu Elena F. , King Irah L.
Published: January 2020

Helminth-induced alterations to the gut microbiota have been shown to affect immune responses at local and peripheral sites. Studies examining helminth-microbiota interactions, however, have been limited due to the practical constraints of performing germ-free experiments with parasites that thrive in microbial-rich conditions to complete their development. The infectious (L3) larvae of the murine helminthHeligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri(Hpb), for example, are normally reared using a fecal-culture method and therefore are inherently unsuitable for germ-free studiesin vivo. Herein, we detail an adapted methodology for rearing effectively germ-freeHpblarvae that are able to maintain the axenic status of a germ-free host during infection. We validate that these larvae do not display any fitness defects relative to fecal-grown larvae and evoke a comparable immune responsein vivo. Characterization of axenicHpbinfection reveals that the commensal microbiota play a multifaceted role during infection - curbing the anti-HpbTh2 response and directing the resolution of tissue granulomas, while simultaneously promoting parasite fitness. Overall these data demonstrate a mutualistic relationship between commensal microbes, enteric helminths and the infected host.
Population variation of miRNAs and isomiRs and their impact on human immunity to infection
Authors: Rotival Maxime , Siddle Katherine J , Silvert Martin , Pothlichet Julien , Quach Hélène , Quintana-Murci Lluis
Published: January 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key epigenetic regulators of the immune system, yet their variation and contribution to intra- and inter-population differences in immune responses is poorly characterized. Here, we generated 977 miRNA-sequencing profiles from primary monocytes, from individuals of African and European ancestry, following activation of three TLR pathways (TLR4, TLR1/2 and TLR7/8) or infection with Influenza A virus. We find that immune activation leads to important modifications in the miRNA and isomiR repertoire, particularly in response to viral challenges. These changes are, however, much weaker than those observed for protein-coding genes, suggesting stronger selective constraints on the miRNA response to stimulation. This is supported by the limited genetic control of miRNA expression variability (miR-QTLs) — and the lower occurrence of G×E interactions — in stark contrast with eQTLs that are largely context-dependent. We also detect marked differences in miRNA expression between populations, which are mostly driven by non-genetic factors. Yet, on average, miR-QTLs explain ~60% of population differences in expression of their cognate miRNAs, and, in some cases, evolve adaptively, as shown in Europeans for a miRNA-rich cluster on chromosome 14. Finally, integrating miRNA and mRNA data from the same individuals, we provide evidence that the canonical model of miRNA-driven transcript degradation has a minor impact on miRNA-mRNA correlations, which are, in our setting, mainly driven by co-transcription. Together, our results shed new light onto the factors driving miRNA and isomiR diversity at the population level, and constitute a useful resource for evaluating their role in host differences of immunity to infection.
3-(4-Iodophenyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[f]chromen-1-one
Authors: Dean Raven , Miller Chelsea N. , Zingales Sarah K. , Padgett Clifford W.
Published: January 2020

In the title compound, C19H13IO2, the dihedral angle between the naphthyl ring system and the pendant iodophenyl ring is 72.48 (11)°. In the crystal, C—H...π interactions and I...O [3.293 (2) Å] halogen bonds are observed, which combine to generate a herringbone packing motif.
Enhanced method for pulse skin effect calculation of cylindrical conductors
Authors: Raicevic Nebojsa B. , Aleksic Slavoljub R. , Iatcheva Ilona , Barukcic Marinko
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present a new approach to the numerical solution of skin effect integral equations in cylindrical conductors. An approximate, but very simple and accurate method for calculating the current density distribution, skin-effect resistance and inductance, in pulse regime of cylindrical conductor, having a circular or rectangular cross-section, is considered. The differential evolution method is applied for minimization of error functional. Because of its application in the practice, the lightning impulse is observed. Direct and inverse fast Fourier transform is applied.

Design/methodology/approach

This method contributes to increasing of correctness and much faster convergence. As the electromagnetic field components depend on the current density derivation, the proposed method gives a very accurate solution not only for current density distribution and resistance but also for field components and for internal inductance coefficients. Distribution of current and electromagnetic field in bus-bars can be successfully determined if the proximity effect is included together with the skin effect in calculations.

Findings

The study shows the strong influence of direct lightning strikes on the distribution of electrical current in cables used in lightning protection systems. The current impulse causes an increase in the current density at all points of the cross-section of the conductor, and in particular the skin effect on the external periphery. Based on the data calculated by using the proposed method, it is possible to calculate the minimum dimensions of the conductors to prevent system failures.

Research limitations/implications

There are a number of approximations of lightning strike impulse in the literature. This is a limiting factor that affects the reliability and agreement between measured data with calculated values.

Originality/value

In contrast with other methods, the current density function is approximated by finite functional series, which automatically satisfy wave equation and existing boundary conditions. It is necessary to minimize the functional. This approach leads to a very accurate solution, even in the case when only two terms in current approximation are adopted.
How competitiveness factors propel SMEs to achieve competitive advantage?
Authors: Farhikhteh Shirzad , Kazemi Ali , Shahin Arash , Mohammad Shafiee Majid
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the contribution of competitiveness factors in how small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) would access competitive advantage (CA) by focussing on industry structure and devise a conceptual model thereof.

Design/methodology/approach

The enterprises from three industries consisting of knowledge-based, single-use medical device producers and construction stone cutting each with different structures were assessed. The method is qualitative and quantitative where grounded theory and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) are applied. The initial survey involves 36 deep semi-structured interviews with some of the top managers of each of the three selected industries and a questionnaire distributed among 158 individuals with 46 structured questions.

Findings

The findings indicate that the micro-competitiveness factors are more contributive in achieving CA than macro factors as follows: in knowledge-based enterprises, customer relationship management (CRM), goods/services features and knowledge management are the most important variables. As to single-use medical device production industry, the sales force, sales promotion, and CRM are the most effective factors. Regarding construction stone-cutting industry, quality of the stone, sales promotion, and advertisement play the same role. The results of the EFA indicate that the three impressive factors, including capabilities of the enterprises, strategies of the enterprises and macro factors, are the extracted factors.

Practical implications

The findings here would assist SMEs’ managers in identifying the most essential factors in accessing CA.

Originality/value

The innovation of this study is that although there exist many studies on SMEs and their CAs, this study seeks the models of CA among SMEs in industries with different structures.
Leading well is not enough
Authors: Ahmad Saima , Sohal Amrik Singh , Wolfram Cox Julie
Published: January 2020

Purpose

While research on the influence of ethical and unethical behaviour on employee well-being abound, we still know little of how well-being is shaped under the dual positive and negative behavioural influences in the workplace. To address this limitation, this paper aims to investigate the relative effects of ethical behaviour of leadership and unethical bullying behaviour on employee well-being through the application of the conservation of resources theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in the context of Pakistan by seeking views of 330 employees in academic work settings.

Findings

The data analysis revealed that occurrence of unethical behaviour plays a more potent role than ethical behaviour in shaping employee well-being. These findings lend support to the conservation of resources theoretical perspective by reiterating the salience of resource loss over resource gain in shaping employee well-being.

Originality/value

This study offers a new insight into the management literature by highlighting that combating workplace bullying not only conserves employee well-being, but also allows organisations to capitalise more fully on the positive process enabled by leadership.
Evaluating the impact of research using the altmetrics approach (case study: the field of scientometrics)
Authors: Sedighi Mehri
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the impact of research in the field of scientometrics by using the altmetrics (social media metrics) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an applied study which uses scientometric and altmetrics methods. The research population consists of the studies and their citations published in the two core journals (ScientometricsandJournal of Informetrics) in a period of five years (included 1,738 papers and 11,504 citations). Collecting and extracting the studies directly was carried from Springer and ScienceDirect databases. The Altmetric Explorer, a service provided by Altmetric.com, was used to collect data on studies from various sources (www.altmetric.com/). The research studies with the altmetric scores were identified (included 830 papers). The altmetric scores represent the quantity and quality of attention that the study has received on social media. The association between altmetric scores and citation indicators was investigated by using correlation tests.

Findings

The findings indicated a significant, positive and weak statistical relationship between the number of citations of the studies published in the field of scientometrics and the altmetric scores of these studies, as well as the number of readers of these studies in the two social networks (Mendeley and Citeulike) with the number of their citations. In this study, there was no statistically significant relationship between the number of citations of the studies and the number of readers on Twitter. In sum, the above findings suggest that some social networks and their indices can be representations of the impact of scientific papers, similar citations. However, owing to the weakness of the correlation coefficients, the replacement of these two categories of indicators is not recommended, but it is possible to use the altmetrics indicators as complementary scientometrics indicators in evaluating the impact of research.

Originality/value

Investigating the impact of research on social media can reflect the social impact of research and can also be useful for libraries, universities, and research organizations in planning, budgeting, and resource allocation processes.
Building gender-aware ecosystems for learning, leadership, and growth
Authors: Hughes Karen D. , Yang Te
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine processes of entrepreneurial learning and leadership development (ELLD) for women involved in growth-oriented businesses. It considers how ELLD can be supported by building gender-aware ecosystems for growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are from a small-scale study of a growth accelerator program in Canada run by Alberta Women Entrepreneurs. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, drawing on interview, document, and observational data.

Findings

The study finds that three key activities – formal learning, informal learning and peer / community support – are central to women entrepreneurs’ learning and leadership development. In line with emerging scholarship, entrepreneurial learning is found to be strongly relational, with social capital playing a central role in the formation of human capital.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of the micro-foundations of growth, the processes involved in ELLD and the importance of developing gender-aware ecosystems.
A deep acting perspective generation Y hotel employees’ workplace deviance
Authors: Yu Yanping , Kim Haemi , Qu Hailin
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to develop a measurement scale to assess generation Y China hotel employees’ workplace deviance and then investigate the effect of generation Y employees’ deep acting on workplace deviance by focusing on the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion and the moderating effect of organizational identification.

Design/methodology/approach

The study first adopts a mixed-methods approach to develop the scale of generation Y hotel employees’ workplace deviance, then multiple data is collected targeting 580 hotel employees by a three-stage survey. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and a hierarchical regression analysis were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Workplace deviance of generation Y hotel employees in China was divided into two dimensions, aggression and neglect. Deep acting was found to be negatively related to workplace deviance, and emotional exhaustion had a mediating effect on the relationship between deep acting and workplace deviance. Organizational identification strengthened the effect of deep acting on neglect and the effect of deep acting on emotional exhaustion, whereas it did not moderate the relationship between deep acting and aggression.

Originality/value

First, this study provides a more powerful explanatory perspective on the conservation of resources theory to explore future research by especially targeting generation Y employees. Second, this study develops the elements of workplace deviance structure of generation Y hotel employees, especially in the Chinese cultural context. Third, it explores the inherent mechanism of how and why deep acting impacts workplace deviance.
Determinants of farmers’ decision to adopt solar powered pumps
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Syan Amanjot Singh , Kaur Amanpreet , Hundal Bikramjit Singh
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the farmers’ awareness level and explores the factors, which may influence their adoption intention regarding solar powered pumps.

Design/methodology/approach

The study consist of a sample of 510 respondents selected from the rural region of Punjab (India) by using convenience sampling. Descriptive analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis techniques have been used for the analytical purpose.

Findings

The study reveals that dimensions such as perceived benefit, perceived compatibility and government incentives have a significant impact on intention to use solar powered pumps, whereas high investment cost and lack of awareness regarding government subsidies are the main reason for non-adoption of the same.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size has been selected on the basis of convenience sampling and has been taken from the rural area, which may affect its generalizability.

Practical implications

The present research is expected to be useful for the manufacturers, regulators, customers, commercial banks, product and service providers, and other environmental institutions.

Originality/value

The study has acknowledged various intentional factors, which influence the adoption decision of solar powered pumps. Therefore, the present study will be useful to formulate action plans to improve the environmental quality.
Crude oil price–shale oil production nexus: a predictability analysis
Authors: Olofin Sam O. , Oloko Tirimisiyu Folorunsho , Isah Kazeem O. , Ogbonna Ahamuefula Ephraim
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the predictability of crude oil price and shale oil production, in a bid to examine the possibility of bi-directional causality.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a recently developed predictability model by Westerlund and Narayan (2015), which accounts for persistence, endogeneity and heteroscedasticity. It also accounts for structural breaks in the predictive models.

Findings

The empirical results show that only a unidirectional causal relationship from crude oil price to shale oil production exists. This happens as crude oil price appears to be a good predictor of shale oil production; however, shale oil production does not serve as a good predictor for crude oil price. Accounting for structural break was found to improve the predictability and forecast accuracy of the predictive model. Our result is robust to choice of crude oil price benchmarks (West Texas Intermediate, Brent, Dubai Fateh and Refiners’ Acquisition Cost) and their denominations (real or nominal).

Research limitations/implications

The result implies that crude oil price must be considered when predicting shale oil production. Meanwhile, the non-significance of shale of production in crude oil price predictive model provides information to potential analyst, researchers and countries predicting crude oil price that failure to account for the effect of shale oil production would not have significant impact on the forecast accuracy of their models.

Originality/value

The study contributes originally to the literature on crude oil price–shale oil production in four major ways. First, it applies a recently developed predictability method by Westerlund and Narayan (2015), which is more suitable for dealing with persistence, conditional heteroscedasticity and endogeneity in the predictors. Second, it investigates existence of reverse causality between crude oil price and shale oil production. Third, it examines the variation in the response and effect of four major crude oil price benchmarks. Fourth, it considers crude oil price in both real and nominal terms.
A legacy of attention to embeddedness in gendered institutions
Authors: Hughes Karen D. , Jennings Jennifer E.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of in this study is to examine how scholarship on women’s entrepreneurship/gender and entrepreneurship has contributed to understandings of the embeddedness of entrepreneurial activity. The authors review studies from the past four decades (1975-2018) to assess the extent to which research has examined the embeddedness of entrepreneurial activity in two key institutions – the family and the labour market – that remain pervasively and persistently gendered.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors blend a systematic quantitative analysis of scholarly publications with qualitative analysis, identifying key themes and contributions. The corpus of material comprises over 1,300 scholarly publications, including both empirical and theoretical contributions.

Findings

This analysis shows that attention to the embeddedness of entrepreneurial activity in gendered social institutions is a clear legacy of women’s entrepreneurship research. The systematic quantitative review found that over one-third (36.6 per cent) of scholarly publications examines questions of family and/or labour market embeddedness in some way. The qualitative analysis identifies a rich array of themes over the past four decades and a growing global reach of scholarship in recent years.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to knowledge about the embeddedness of entrepreneurial activity. It offers a comprehensive review of how entrepreneurship is shaped by the embedding of such activity in two predominant (and gendered) social institutions – families and labour markets. It will be of use to scholars seeking an overview of this topic and considering new research questions to pursue.
Exposing/correcting SME underperformance myths
Authors: Watson John
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share with up-and-coming young researchers some of the important lessons the author has learnt on his research journey.

Design/methodology/approach

In researching the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) (and, in particular, female-controlled SMEs), the author was very careful to ensure, as far as practical, that appropriate control variables (such as age of business, industry and hours worked) were included in the research design.

Findings

There are two key findings that emerge from the research the author has been involved with over many years. First, the very high SME failure rate often referred to in the literature and popular press is a myth. Second, the belief that female-controlled SMEs underperform male-controlled SMEs is also a myth.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the author’s research experience, there are three key points the author would like to share with the young researchers. First, do not be afraid to question what might appear to be a generally accepted fact. Second, do not jump to a quick and what might appear to be the most obvious conclusion. Third, be aware that unintended consequences can often be associated with quick conclusions drawn from research where there has not been adequate attention paid to a study’s methodology/limitations.

Originality/value

The results from the research the author has been involved with highlight the importance of incorporating key control variables when assessing, and comparing, the performances of female- and male-controlled SMEs.
Dry sliding wear behavior of Inconel 718 additively manufactured by DMLS technique
Authors: V. Anandakrishnan , S. Sathish , Muthukannan Duraiselvam , V. Dillibabu , N. Balamuralikrishnan
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Aerospace and defence industries use the materials having better properties at elevated temperatures, and Inconel 718 is one of that. The complexity in realizing complex and intricate shapes necessitate the product realization through additive manufacturing. This paper aims to investigate the wear behaviour of additive manufactured material.

Design/methodology/approach

The wear behaviour of additively manufactured Inconel 718 samples through direct metal laser sintering process at three different build orientations was experimentally investigated using a standard pin-on-disc wear tester.

Findings

Among the varied wear parameters, the load was identified as the most influencing parameter on the wear rate. In addition, the post-failure analysis of the worn surface of the pins under the scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of various wear mechanisms.

Originality/value

Almost, the industries are now focussed on their production through additive manufacturing owing to its advantages. The present work displays the wear behaviour of the additive manufactured Inconel 718 and its associated wear mechanisms.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2019-0322.
Finite element analysis of layered, variable density, ball bearings based on pearl and turtle shell bionic structures
Authors: Hu Jing , Lv Qiong-Ying , Zhang Xin-Ming , Wei Zeng-Yan , Li Hai Long
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present ball bearings with a composite structure based on the bionics principle and shows the comparison between five types of different structures.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of the finite element method, the stress and other parameters between different structures are compared and verified. Finally, the comprehensive parameters of different structures are evaluated by the analytic hierarchy process method.

Findings

The evaluation of the comprehensive parameters of five types of structures is shown here.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is calculated and compared to the parameters of five types of different structures, and the parameter score evaluation of each structure is given. Different structures can be selected according to different parameter requirements, which to provide a theoretical basis for the design of ball bearings.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon10.1108/ILT-10-2019-0413
Study on the performance of gas foil thrust bearings with stacked bump foils
Authors: Hu Hongyang , Feng Ming , Ren Tianming
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to improve the load capacity of gas foil thrust bearing (GFTB) and to introduce and study a novel bearing with stacked bump foils.

Design/methodology/approach

For the proposed novel GFTB supported by stacked foils, some bump-type gaskets with several partial arches are inserted below the regular bump foil, and the height of each arch can be made differently. These features make the bump foil thickness and height gradually increase, which can bring enhanced support stiffness and convergent film at the trailing edge. Based on a new nonlinear bump stiffness model considering bump rounding and friction force, the finite element and finite difference method were used to solve the coupling Reynolds equation, energy equation and foil deformation equation. Finally, the structural stiffness and static characteristics of the novel GFTB were gained and compared with the traditional bearing.

Findings

The novel GFTB has an additional convergence effect in the parallel section, which improves the static performance of bearing. The bearing capacity, friction moment, power loss and temperature rise of the novel GFTB are all higher than those of the traditional bearing, and the static characteristics are related to the parameters of stacked bump foils.

Originality/value

The stacked bump foils bring a fundamental enhancement on the load capacity of GFTB. The results are expected to be helpful to bearing designers, researchers and academicians concerned.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2019-0449/
Dimensions that influence the innovation process in justice organizations
Authors: Castro Marilú Pereira , Guimaraes Tomas Aquino
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify dimensions that can influence the innovation process in justice organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative approach. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview script. In all, 23 in-depth interviews were undertaken with lawyers, public defenders, judges, prosecutors and public officials from the five regions of Brazil. These data were analyzed using content analysis techniques.

Findings

The perceptions of the interviewees show that the process of innovation in justice organizations can be influenced by five dimensions: Institutional Environment (institutional level), Leadership (organizational level), Organizational Resources (organizational level), Cooperative Relations (interorganizational level) and Innovative Behavior (individual level). These dimensions may promote or restrict innovation.

Originality/value

The results indicate that there are growing efforts to introduce innovations designed to improve the performance and service delivery of justice organizations. However, there is resistance to innovation because these organizations are highly institutionalized and consequently seek stability and absence of change.
Fiscal autonomy and stabilization: an empirical analysis of US state governments
Authors: Kim Sungchan
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Even though fiscal autonomy plays a role as one of the prerequisite conditions for fiscal decentralization, there has been little research into why fiscal autonomy is important or how it works for subnational governments. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of fiscal autonomy by using a panel dataset of US state governments from 2001 to 2013.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the results of general method of moments, the author find that fiscal autonomy leads to reducing volatility in total expenditures.

Findings

It indicates that fiscal autonomy is necessary for state governments performing one of the three Musgravian role of government (e.g. stabilization). However, when we look at the more detailed relationship between fiscal autonomy and volatility by applying expenditures from major categories such as capital outlay, general expenditure and public welfare, this study finds no statistically significant results. Interestingly, balanced budget requirement and tax and expenditure limitation indicate different effects on expenditure volatility, even though they belong to the same institutional factors.

Originality/value

This paper is meaningful because it can support the importance of fiscal autonomy on fiscal performance.
An Austrian critique of the Prebisch-singer theory of the deterioration in the terms of trade
Authors: Futerman Alan G. , Block Walter E.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to offer a critique of the theory of the deterioration in terms of trade, developed by Raúl Prebisch and Hans Singer.

Design/methodology/approach

As an example of the theory’s shortcomings, the case of Argentina’s import substitution model is analyzed.

Findings

This study demonstrates how a misunderstanding of the influence of price variability in international trade may lead to the mistaken conclusion that protectionist measures must be enforced to achieve growth and prosperity.

Originality/value

This is the first study that criticizes the Prebisch-Singer theory of the deterioration in the terms of trade from an Austrian economics.
Integrating factors influencing hijab purchase intention among Muslim women
Authors: Saeed Munazza , Grine Fadila , Shafique Imran
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the hijab purchase intention of Muslim women by applying the theory of reasoned action: religious commitment, satisfaction (attitude), dressing style and knowledge source (subjective norms).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 603 Malay Muslim women in four universities through a self-administered questionnaire using a multi-stage cluster probability sampling technique. Smart PLS was used for data analysis.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that customers’ hijab purchase intention is significantly influenced by religious commitment, satisfaction, dressing style and knowledge source.

Practical implications

This study is for hijab designers because it is important for them to explore and examine the hijab purchase intention of Muslim women and then design the hijab accordingly, not only to capture a big segment in Kuala Lumpur but to obtain a competitive edge as well.

Originality/value

This is the first paper of its kind to examine the hijab purchase intention of Malay Muslim women.
Three-way group decisions under hesitant fuzzy linguistic environment for green supplier selection
Authors: Ma Weimin , Lei Wenjing , Sun Bingzhen
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a three-way group decision-making approach to address the selection of green supplier, by extending decision-theoretic rough set (DTRS) into hesitant fuzzy linguistic (HFL) environment, considering the flexible evaluation expression format of HFL term set (HFLTS) and the idea of minimum expected risk in DTRS.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, the authors first present the calculation method of the conditional probability and discuss the loss functions of DTRS with HFL element (HFLE), along with some associated properties being investigated in detail. Further, three-way group decisions rules can be deduced, followed by the cost of every green supplier candidate. Thus, based on these discussions, a novel green supplier selection DTRS model that combines multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) and HFLTS is designed.

Findings

A numerical example of green supplier selection, the comparative analysis and associated discussions are conducted to illustrate the applicability and novelty of the presented model.

Practical implications

The selection of green supplier has played a critically strategic role in sustainable enterprise development due to continuous environmental concerns. This paper offers an insight for companies to select green supplier selection from the perspective of three-way group decisions.

Originality/value

This paper uses three-way decisions to address green supplier selection in the HFL context, which is considered as a MCGDM issue.
Social intra-organizational connection: effects in three relational domains
Authors: Maciel Cristiano de Oliveira
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the construct of social intra-organizational connection (SIC). This construct reflects the extent to which a focal actor believes his alters present behaviors of social inclusion in relation to himself. This assessment compares the ego’s expectations of being included and the behavior of inclusion performed by those alters with whom the actor has more frequent interactions. The effects of this construct are tested in the organizational domain regarding the intention to leave, in the domain of co-workers regarding cooperation and in the family domain regarding work–family conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey data were collected from 380 Brazilian workers.

Findings

The results confirmed the effects of SIC in the relational domain of the organization through the variation in the focal actor’s intention to leave. In the sphere of coworkers, the effects of SIC were found in the variation of the degree of cooperation. In the family sphere, SIC had an influence upon the intensity of the work–family conflict.

Originality/value

The research indicates that the behavior of making direct contacts and more frequent interactions by the focal actor extends to other relational spheres through the transitions of the organizational member between the domains of organization, coworkers and family. This paper draws attention to the need to consider the local networks, both within and beyond the organization, and their effects on each other.
Brand orientation: a systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Sepulcri Lara Mendes Christ Bonella , Mainardes Emerson Wagner , Marchiori Danilo Magno
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Various studies dealing with brand orientation were analysed to discuss how the issues identified in this area have been relating over time. This paper aims to identify the key studies, the keywords used and the origin of the studies.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) was performed within the Scopus database to select and summarize the studies that deal with brand orientation. Finally, 90 articles were subjected to bibliometric analysis.

Findings

Five major research areas were identified (brand orientation concept, hybrid strategies, internal branding management, brand performance and perceived brand orientation) and discussed.

Research limitations/implications

As the main theoretical contribution, the results showed a focus on research in five areas: the development of the brand orientation concept and proposed extensions; hybrid strategies; the relations between brand orientation, internal branding and brand management; the relation between brand orientation and financial performance; and the perceived brand orientation, mostly applied to higher education sector.

Originality/value

The study offers a general overview of brand orientation, identifying relations on topics of interest, main keywords and sub-themes in this field. The results contribute to fulfilling the research gap about the relationship between all these aspects. Finally, an agenda for future research is proposed.
Effects of post-weld heat treatments on the microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties of gas metal arc welded 304 stainless steel
Authors: Abioye Taiwo Ebenezer , Omotehinse Igbekele Samson , Oladele Isiaka Oluwole , Olugbade Temitope Olumide , Ogedengbe Tunde Isaac
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of post-annealing and post-tempering processes on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the AISI 304 stainless steel gas metal arc weldment.

Design/methodology/approach

Gas metal arc welding of AISI 304 stainless steel was carried out at an optimized processing condition. Thereafter, post-annealing and post-tempering processes were performed on the weldment. The microstructure, mechanical and electrochemical corrosion properties of the post-weld heat treated samples, as compared with the as-welded, were investigated.

Findings

The as-welded joint was characterized with sub-granular grain structure, martensite formation and Cr-rich carbides precipitates. This made it harder than the post-annealed and post-tempered joints. Because of slower cooling in the furnace, the post-annealed joint contained Cr-rich carbides precipitates. However, the microstructure of the post-tempered joint is more refined and significantly devoid of the carbide precipitates. Post-tempering process improved the elongation (∼23%), tensile (∼10%) and impact (∼31%) strengths of the gas metal arc AISI 304 stainless steel weldment, while post-annealing process improved the elongation (∼20%) and impact strength (∼72%). Owing to the refined grain structure and significant elimination of the Cr-rich carbide precipitates at the joint, the post-tempered joint exhibited better corrosion resistance in 3.5 Wt.% NaCl solution than the post-annealed and the as-welded joints.

Originality/value

The appropriate post-weld heat treatment that enhances microstructural homogeneity and quality of the AISI 304 gas metal arc welded joint was determined.
Novel plant–microbe interactions: Rapid evolution of a legume–rhizobium mutualism in restored prairies
Authors: Magnoli Susan M. , Lau Jennifer A.
Published: January 2020

When plants colonize new habitats, the novel interactions they form with new mutualists or enemies can immediately affect plant performance. These novel interactions also may provoke rapid evolutionary responses and can be ideal scenarios for investigating how species interactions influence plant evolution.

To explore how mutualists influence the evolution of colonizing plant populations, we capitalized on an experiment in which two former agricultural fields were seeded with identical prairie seed mixes in 2010. Six years later, we compared how populations of the legume Chamaecrista fasciculata from these sites and their original (shared) source population responded to nitrogen‐fixing rhizobia from the restoration sites in a greenhouse reciprocal cross‐inoculation experiment.

We found that the two populations differed both from their original source population and from each other in the benefits they derive from rhizobia, and that one population has evolved reduced allocation to rhizobia (i.e. forms fewer rhizobium‐housing nodules).

Synthesis. Our results suggest that these plant populations have evolved different ways of interacting with rhizobia, potentially in response to differences in rhizobium quality between sites. Our study illustrates how microbial mutualists may shape plant evolution in new environments and highlights how variation in microbial mutualists potentially may select for different evolutionary strategies in plant hosts.
Community assembly of the native C. elegans microbiome is influenced by time, substrate and individual bacterial taxa
Authors: Johnke Julia , Dirksen Philipp , Schulenburg Hinrich
Published: January 2020

Microbiome communities are complex assemblages of bacteria. The dissection of their assembly dynamics is challenging because it requires repeated sampling of both host and source communities. We used the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to study these dynamics. We characterized microbiome variation from natural worm populations and their substrates for two consecutive years using 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. We found conservation in microbiome composition across time at the genus, but not amplicon sequencing variant (ASV) level. Only three ASVs were consistently present across worm samples (Comamonas ASV10859, Pseudomonas ASV7162 and Cellvibrio ASV9073). ASVs were more diverse in worms from different rather than the same substrates, indicating an influence of the source community on microbiome assembly. Surprisingly, almost 50% of worm‐associated ASVs were absent in corresponding substrates, potentially due to environmental filtering. Ecological network analysis revealed strong effects of bacteria–bacteria interactions on community composition: While a dominant Erwinia strain correlated with decreased alpha‐diversity, predatory bacteria of the Bdellovibrio and like organisms associated with increased alpha‐diversity. High alpha‐diversity was further linked to high worm population growth, especially on species‐poor substrates. Our results highlight that microbiomes are individually shaped and sensitive to dramatic community shifts in response to particular competitive species.
Criminological and Medico‐legal Aspects in Homicidal and Suicidal Sharp Force Fatalities
Authors: Terranova Claudio , Doro Luca , Zancaner Silvano , Zampini Thomas , Mazzarolo Cristina , Bonvicini Barbara , Viero Alessia , Montisci Massimo
Published: January 2020

The interpretation of sharp force fatality dynamics may be difficult in some cases, but a contribution to analysis of the phenomenon may be provided by case studies. Therefore, the purpose of our study is focused on identifying, in observed sharp force fatalities, reliable parameters that can differentiate a homicidal and suicidal manner of death, with particular reference to criminological parameters. Data derived from sharp force fatality cases in Padua and Venice from 1997 to 2019, anonymized and collected in Excel, included personal, circumstantial, clinical, and psychopathological–criminological data, as well as crime scene investigation, necroscopic, and toxicological data. Statistical analyses were performed using chi‐square and Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests. Possible predictors of homicide were analyzed by logistic regression. Six parameters (bloodstains distant from the body, clothing lacerations, hesitation/defense wounds, number of injuries, and potential motives) were significantly different in the two groups (p < 0.05). An independent statistical association between potential motives explaining the crime (p < 0.001; OR 27.533) and homicide on multiple logistic regression analysis was highlighted. The absence of clothing lacerations was inversely related to homicide (p = 0.002, OR 0.092). To the best of our knowledge, this is one of very few Italian studies concerning the differential diagnosis between homicidal and suicidal sharp force fatalities. The dynamics of the event is established in most cases by the integrated evaluation of data from crime scene investigation and the autopsy. Nevertheless, in an atypical scenario, a psychopathological–criminological analysis may provide essential elements, and particular attention should be given to the identification of potential explanatory motives.
A Case of Multiple Self‐Inflicted Stab Wounds of the Neck Captured on Surveillance Video
Authors: Alunni Véronique , Cabusat‐Mailliet Coraline , Quatrehomme Gérald
Published: January 2020

Multiple sharp force injuries in a victim make it difficult to distinguish between homicide and suicide. Forensic pathologists also may be unable to determine the total survival time and the survival time with physical activity due to lack of evidence. The authors report here on a case of nineteen stab wounds of the neck, which led to an initial suspicion of homicide. The scene was however captured on surveillance video, which provided a precise description of the wound mechanism and led to the injuries being reclassified as suicidal. No other description of a suicide with such a high number of severe stab wounds has been documented in the literature. The video footage provided additional information concerning survival time. Physical activity was well documented during at least 4 min after the last stab wound and the total survival period was at least 6 min, despite the perforation of both jugular veins and the trachea. Vein injuries are less rapidly lethal than artery injuries. Injuries of the major airways are not immediately lethal and do not lead to immediate incapacitation. The benefit of the video evidence is to highlight wound features that may suggest a suicidal manner and inform forensic pathologists about survival intervals after severe stab wounds to the neck.