bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biofilms deform soft surfaces and disrupt epithelia
Authors: Cont Alice , Rossy Tamara , Al-Mayyah Zainebe , Persat Alexandre
Published: January 2020

During chronic infections and in microbiota, bacteria predominantly colonize their hosts as multicellular structures called biofilms. Despite their ubiquityin vivo, we still lack a basic understanding of how they interact with biological tissues, and ultimately how they influence host physiology. A common assumption is that biofilms interact with their hosts biochemically. However, the contributions of mechanics, while being central to the process of biofilm formation, have been vastly overlooked as a factor influencing host physiology. Specifically, how biofilms form on soft, tissue-like materials remains unknown. Here we show that biofilms can deform soft substrates by transmission of internally-generated mechanical stresses. We found that biofilms from bothVibrio choleraeandPseudomonas aeruginosacan induce large deformations of soft synthetic hydrogels. Using a combination of mechanical measurements and mutants in matrix components, we found that biofilms deform their substrates by simultaneous buckling and adhesion. Specifically, mechanical constraints opposing growth causes biofilm buckling, while matrix components maintaining surface adhesion transmit buckling forces to the substrate. Finally, we demonstrate that biofilms can generate sufficient mechanical stress to deform and disrupt soft epithelial cell monolayers, suggesting that these forces can damage a host independently of typical virulence factors. Altogether, our results illustrate that forces generated by bacterial communities play an important role not only in biofilm morphogenesis but also in host physiology, suggesting a mechanical mode of infection.
Implicit Learning of Temporal Behavior in Complex Dynamic Environments
Authors: Salet Josh M. , Kruijne Wouter , van Rijn Hedderik
Published: January 2020

Humans can automatically detect and learn to exploit repeated aspects (regularities) of the environment. Timing research suggests that such learning is not only used to anticipate what will happen, but also when. However, in timing experiments, the intervals to be timed are presented in isolation from other stimuli and explicitly cued, contrasting with naturalistic environments in which intervals are embedded in a constant stream of events and individuals are hardly aware of them. It is unclear whether laboratory findings from timing research translate to a more ecologically valid, implicit environment. Here we show in a game-like experiment, specifically designed to measure naturalistic behavior, that participants implicitly use regular intervals to anticipate future events, even when these intervals are constantly interrupted by irregular yet behaviorally relevant events. This finding extends previous research by showing that individuals not only detect such regularities but can also use this knowledge to decide when to act in a complex environment. Furthermore, this finding demonstrates that this type of learning can occur independently from the ordinal sequence of motor actions, which contrasts this work with earlier motor learning studies. Taken together, our results demonstrate that regularities in the time between events are implicitly monitored and used to predict and act on what happens when, thereby showing that laboratory findings from timing research can generalize to naturalistic environments. Additionally, with the development of our game-like experiment we demonstrate an approach to test cognitive theories in less controlled, ecologically more valid environments.
Adaptive Circuit Dynamics Across Human Cortex During Evidence Accumulation in Changing Environments
Authors: Murphy Peter R , Wilming Niklas , Hernandez-Bocanegra Diana C , Ortega Genis Prat , Donner Tobias H
Published: January 2020

Many decisions under uncertainty entail the temporal accumulation of evidence that informs about the state of the environment. When environments are subject to hidden changes in their state, maximizing accuracy and reward requires non-linear accumulation of the evidence. How this adaptive, non-linear computation is realized in the brain is unknown. We analyzed human behavior and cortical population activity (measured with magnetoencephalography) recorded during visual evidence accumulation in a changing environment. Behavior and decision-related activity in cortical regions involved in action planning exhibited hallmarks of adaptive evidence accumulation, which could also be implemented by a recurrent cortical microcircuit. Decision dynamics in action-encoding parietal and frontal regions were mirrored in a frequency-specific modulation of the state of visual cortex that depended on pupil-linked arousal and the expected probability of change. These findings link normative decision computations to recurrent cortical circuit dynamics and highlight the adaptive nature of decision-related feedback to sensory cortex.
Correlation guided Network Integration (CoNI) reveals novel genetic regulators of hepatic metabolism
Authors: Klaus Valentina S. , Schriever Sonja C. , Peter Andreas , Monroy Kuhn José Manuel , Irmler Martin , Tokarz Janina , Prehn Cornelia , Kastenmüller Gabi , Beckers Johannes , Adamski Jerzy , Königsrainer Alfred , Müller Timo D. , Heni Martin , Tschöp Matthias H. , Pfluger Paul T. , Lutter Dominik
Published: January 2020

The steadily increasing amount of newly generated omics data of various types from genomics to metabolomics is a chance and a challenge to systems biology. To fully use its potential, one key is the meaningful integration of different types of omics. We here present a fully unsupervised and versatile correlation-based method, termed Correlation guided Network Integration (CoNI), to integrate multi-omics data into a hypergraph structure that allows for identification of effective regulators. Our approach further unravels single transcripts mapped to specific densely connected metabolic sub-graphs or pathways. By applying our method on transcriptomics and metabolomics data from murine livers under standard chow or high-fat-diet, we isolated eleven genes with a regulatory effect on hepatic metabolism. Subsequentin vitroandex vivoexperiments in human liver cells and human obtained liver biopsies validated seven candidates includingINHBEandCOBLL1, to alter lipid metabolism and to correlate with diabetes related traits such as overweight, hepatic fat content and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Last, we successfully applied our methods to an independent data-set to confirm its versatile and transferable character.
Spatial distribution and hotspots of mammals in Canada
Authors: Cameron Victor , Hargreaves Anna L.
Published: January 2020

High-latitude countries often contain the polar range edge of species that are common farther south. The more peripherally a species occurs in a country, the smaller its national range will be and the more its national range will consist of range-edge populations, which are often predicted to be relatively small, isolated, and unproductive. Together, this may focus national conservation efforts toward peripheral species whose global conservation value is controversial. However, if range-edge taxa occur where overall diversity is also high, there would be fewer trade-offs in protecting them. Using 153 of the 158 terrestrial mammal species in Canada, we tested how species’ distributions relate to their national conservation status and total mammal richness. Half of ‘Canadian’ mammals had <20% of their global range in Canada. Range area in Canada was strongly associated with national threat status; mammals considered ‘at-risk’ in Canada had 42% smaller Canadian ranges than mammals considered secure. However, after accounting for range area, being more peripheral (smaller proportion of global range in Canada) did not increase the likelihood that a taxon was considered at-risk. We overlaid the 153 maps to calculate mammal diversity across Canada, divided into 100×100 km grid cells. We found that hotspots of at-risk mammals (cells with >4 at-risk taxa) and hotspots of range-edge mammals (cells with >12 taxa with ≤20% of their range in Canada) were about twice as species rich as non-hotspot cells, containing up to 44% of Canadian mammal diversity per grid-cell. Our results suggest that protecting areas with the most at-risk or range-edge mammals would simultaneously protect habitat for many species currently deemed secure.
mSWI/SNF promotes polycomb repression both directly and through genome-wide redistribution
Authors: Weber Christopher M. , Hafner Antonina , Braun Simon M. G. , Kirkland Jacob G. , Stanton Benjamin Z. , Boettiger Alistair N. , Crabtree Gerald R.
Published: January 2020

The mammalian SWI/SNF, or BAF complex, has a conserved and direct role in antagonizing polycomb-mediated repression. Yet, BAF appears to also promote repression by polycomb in stem cells and cancer. How BAF both antagonizes and promotes polycomb-mediated repression remains unknown. Here, we utilize targeted protein degradation to dissect the BAF-polycomb axis in embryonic stem cells on the timescale of hours. We report that rapid BAF depletion redistributes both PRC1 and PRC2 complexes from highly occupied domains, likeHoxclusters, to weakly occupied sites that are normally opposed by BAF. Polycomb redistribution from highly repressed domains results in their decompaction, gain of active epigenomic features, and transcriptional derepression. Surprisingly, through dose-dependent degradation of PRC1 & PRC2 we identify both a conventional role for BAF in polycomb-mediated repression and a second mechanism acting by global redistribution of polycomb. These findings provide new mechanistic insight into the highly dynamic state of the Polycomb-Trithorax axis.
Early detection of biomarkers for circulating tumor cells in Bone marrow and Peripheral blood in a fast-progressing gastric cancer model
Authors: Bali Prerna , Lozano-Pope Ivonne , Pachow Collin , Obonyo Marygorret
Published: January 2020

Helicobacter pyloriposes one of the greatest risks for development of gastric cancer. We previously established a crucial role for myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) in the regulation ofHelicobacter-induced gastric cancer. Mice deficient inMyd88rapidly progressed to neoplasia when infected withH. felis, a close relative ofH. pylori. For this study we examined circulating tumor cells (CTCs) by measuring expression of cytokeratins, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell (CSC) markers in in the bone marrow and peripheral blood of gastric cancer models we termed fast (Myd88-/-)- and slow (WT)-“progressors”. We detected cytokeratins CK8/18 as early as 3 months post infection in the fast “progressors”. In contrast, cytokeratins were not detected in slow “progressor” gastric cancer model even after 7 months post infection. Expression of MUC1 was observed in both bone marrow and peripheral blood at different time points suggesting its role in gastric cancer metastasis. Snail, Twist and ZEB were expressed at different levels in bone marrow and peripheral blood. Expression of these EMT markers suggests manifestation of cancer metastasis in the early stages of disease development. Lgr5, CD44 and CD133 were the most prominent CSC markers detected. Detection of CSC and EMT markers along with cytokeratins does reinforce their use as biomarkers for gastric cancer metastasis. This early detection of markers suggests that CTCs leave primary site even before cancer is well established. Thus, cytokeratins, EMT, and CSCs could be used as biomarkers to detect aggressive forms of gastric cancers. This information will be important in stratifying patients for treatment before the onset of severe disease characteristics.
Family History Assessment Significantly Enhances Delivery of Precision Medicine in the Genomics Era
Authors: Bylstra Yasmin , Lim Weng Khong , Kam Sylvia , Tham Koei Wan , Wu R. Ryanne , Teo Jing Xian , Davila Sonia , Kuan Jyn Ling , Chan Sock Hoai , Bertin Nicolas , Yang ChengXi , Rozen Steve , Teh Bin Tean , Yeo Khung Keong , Cook Stuart Alexander , Orlando Lori A. , Jamuar Saumya Shekhar , Ginsburg Geoffrey S. , Tan Patrick
Published: January 2020

Background

Family history has traditionally been an essential part of clinical care to assess health risks. However, declining sequencing costs have precipitated a shift towards genomics-first approaches in population screening programs, with less emphasis on family history assessment. We evaluated the utility of family history for genomic sequencing selection.

Methods

We analysed whole genome sequences of 1750 healthy research participants, with and without preselection based on standardised family history collection, screening 95 cancer genes.

Results

The frequency of likely pathogenic/ pathogenic (LP/P) variants in 884 participants with no family history available (FH not available group) (2%) versus 866 participants with family history available (FH available group) (3.1%) was not significant (p=0.158). However, within the FH available group, amongst 73 participants with an increased family history cancer risk (increased FH risk), 1 in 7 participants carried a LP/P variant inferring a six-fold increase compared with 1 in 47 participants assessed at average family history cancer risk (average FH risk) and a seven-fold increase compared to the FH not available group. The enrichment was further pronounced (up to 18-fold) when assessing the 25 cancer genes in the ACMG 59-gene panel. Furthermore, 63 participants had an increased family history cancer risk in absence of an apparent LP/P variant.

Conclusion

Our findings show that systematic family history collection remains critical for health risk assessment, providing important actionable data and augmenting the yield from genomic data. Family history also highlights the potential impact of additional hereditary, environmental and behavioural influences not reflected by genomic sequencing.
Priming is dispensable for NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human monocytes
Authors: Gritsenko Anna , Yu Shi , Martin-Sanchez Fatima , del Olmo Ines Diaz , Nichols Eva-Maria , Davis Daniel M. , Brough David , Lopez-Castejon Gloria
Published: January 2020

Interleukin (IL)-1 family of cytokines modulate immune responses during infection and inflammation. IL-18 and IL-1β are members of the IL-1 family, which contribute to inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease. IL-18 and IL-1β are produced as inactive precursors that are activated by large macromolecular complexes called inflammasomes upon sensing damage or pathogenic signals. Canonical NLRP3 inflammasome activation is regarded to require a priming step that causes NLRP3 and IL-1β gene upregulation, and also NLRP3 post-translational licencing. A subsequent activation step leads to the assembly of the inflammasome and the cleavage of pro-IL-18 and pro-IL-1β by caspase-1 into their mature forms, allowing their release. Here we show that in primary human monocytes, the initial priming step is dispensable to form an active NLRP3 inflammasome. We found that, in the absence of priming, the NLRP3 activator nigericin caused the processing and release of constitutively expressed IL-18. Another IL-1 family member, IL-37, is constitutively cleaved but the release of its mature form was mediated by inflammasome activation, also in the absence of a priming step. This NLRP3 activation was characterised by ASC oligomerisation as well as caspase-1 and GSDMD cleavage and was blocked by the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 and in NLRP3 deficient cells. IL-18 and IL-37 release were impaired in GSDMD deficient THP-1s, suggesting that pyroptosis is required for release of these cytokines. This work highlights the readiness of the NLRP3 inflammasome to assemble in the absence of priming and hence contribute to sterile inflammatory processes in health and disease.

Significance Statement

The NLRP3 inflammasome is a driver of inflammation through the processing of Interleukins (IL)-1β and IL-18. Human monocytes coordinate the innate immune response through inflammasome activation following exposure to pathogens and damage signals. We currently think of NLRP3 activation as a 2 step process: priming (NLRP3 gene upregulation and post-translational licencing) and assembly. Here we show that the priming step is dispensable for NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human monocytes. The second signal alone is sufficient for caspase-1 activation, leading to cell death and the release of the constitutively expressed IL-18 and mIL-37. This reveals that in human monocytes, the NLRP3 inflammasome is already licenced and able to quickly assemble to mount an inflammatory response.
A Unified De Novo Approach for Predicting the Structures of Ordered and Disordered Proteins
Authors: Ferrie John J. , Petersson E. James
Published: January 2020

As recognition of the abundance and relevance of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) continues to grow, demand increases for methods that can rapidly predict the conformational ensembles populated by these proteins. To date, IDP simulations have largely been dominated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which require significant compute times and/or complex hardware. Recent developments in MD have afforded methods capable of simulating both ordered and disordered proteins, yet to date accurate fold prediction from sequence has been dominated by Monte-Carlo (MC) based methods such as Rosetta. To overcome the limitations of current approaches in IDP simulation using Rosetta while maintaining its utility for modeling folded domains, we developed PyRosetta-based algorithms that allow for the accuratede novoprediction of proteins across all degrees of foldedness along with structural ensembles of disordered proteins. Our simulations have an accuracy comparable to state-of-the-art MD with vastly reduced computational demands.
A single-cell transcriptome atlas during Cashmere goat hair follicle morphogenesis
Authors: Ge Wei , Zhang Wei-Dong , Zhang Yue-Lang , Zheng Yu-Jie , Li Fang , Wang Shan-He , Liu Jin-Wang , Tan Shao-Jing , Yan Zi-Hui , Wang Lu , Shen Wei , Qu Lei , Wang Xin
Published: January 2020

Cashmere, also known as soft gold, is produced from the secondary hair follicles in Cashmere goats and it’s therefore of significance to investigate the molecular profiles during Cashmere goat hair follicle development. However, our current understanding of the machinery underlying Cashmere goat hair follicle remains largely unexplored and researches regarding hair follicle development mainly used the mouse as a research model. To provides comprehensively understanding on the cellular heterogeneity and cell lineage cell fate decisions, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on 19,705 single cells from induction (embryonic day 60), organogenesis (embryonic day 90) and cytodifferentiation (embryonic day 120) stages of fetus Cashmere goat dorsal skin. Unsupervised clustering analysis identified 16 cell clusters and their corresponding cell types were also unprecedentedly characterized. Based on the lineage inference, we revealed detailed molecular landscape along the dermal and epidermal cell lineage developmental pathways. Notably, by cross-species comparasion of single cell data with murine model, we revelaed conserved programs during dermal condensate fate commitment and the heterochrony development of hair follicle development between mouse and Cashmere goat were also discussed here. Our work here delineate unparalleled molecular profiles of different cell populations during Cashmere goat hair follicle morphogenesis and provide a valuable resource for identifying biomarkers during Cashmere goat hair follicle development.
Tumor control via targeting PD-L1 with chimeric antigen receptor modified NK cells
Authors: Robbins Yvette , Greene Sarah , Friedman Jay , Clavijo Paul E. , Van Waes Carter , Fabian Kellsye P. , Padget Michelle R. , Sater Houssein Abdul , Lee John H. , Soon-Shiong Patrick , Gulley James , Schlom Jeffrey , Hodge James W. , Allen Clint T.
Published: January 2020

Failed T cell-based immunotherapies in the presence of genomic alterations in antigen presentations pathways may be overcome by NK cell-based immunotherapy. This approach may still be limited by the presence of immunosuppressive myeloid populations. Here we demonstrate that NK cells (haNKs) engineered to express a PD-L1 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) haNKs killed a panel of human and murine head and neck cancer cells at low effector-to-target ratios in a PD-L1-dependent fashion. Treatment of syngeneic tumors resulted in CD8 and PD-L1-dependent tumor rejection or growth inhibition and a reduction in myeloid cells endogenously expressing high levels of PD-L1. Treatment of xenograft tumors resulted in PD-L1 dependent tumor growth inhibition. PD-L1 CAR haNKs reduced levels of macrophages and other myeloid cells endogenously expressing high PD-L1 in peripheral blood from patients with head and neck cancer. The clinical study of PD-L1 CAR haNKs is warranted.
Effects of scent lure on camera trap detections vary across mammalian predator and prey species
Authors: Holinda Dacyn , Burgar Joanna M. , Burton A. Cole
Published: January 2020

Camera traps are a unique survey tool used to monitor a wide variety of mammal species. Camera trap (CT) data can be used to estimate animal distribution, density, and behaviour. Attractants, such as scent lures, are often used in an effort to increase CT detections; however, the degree which the effects of attractants vary across species is not well understood. We investigated the effects of scent lure on mammal detections by comparing detection rates between 404 lured and 440 unlured CT stations sampled in Alberta, Canada over 120 day survey periods between February and August in 2015 and 2016. We used zero-inflated negative binomial generalized linear mixed models to test the effect of lure on detection rates for a) all mammals, b) six functional groups (all predator species, all prey, large carnivores, small carnivores, small mammals, ungulates), and c) four varied species of management interest (fisher,Pekania pennanti; gray wolf,Canis lupus; moose,Alces alces; and Richardson’s ground squirrel;Urocitellus richardsonii). Mammals were detected at 800 of the 844 CTs, with nearly equal numbers of total detections at CTs with (7110) and without (7530) lure, and variable effects of lure on groups and individual species. Scent lure significantly increased detections of predators as a group, including large and small carnivore sub-groups and fisher specifically, but not of gray wolf. There was no effect of scent lure on detections of prey species, including the small mammal and ungulate sub-groups and moose and Richardson’s ground squirrel specifically. We recommend that researchers explicitly consider the variable effects of scent lure on CT detections across species when designing, interpreting, or comparing multi-species surveys. Additional research is needed to further quantify variation in species responses to scent lures and other attractants, and to elucidate the effect of attractants on community-level inferences from camera trap surveys.
The digestive system is a potential route of 2019-nCov infection: a bioinformatics analysis based on single-cell transcriptomes
Authors: Zhang Hao , Kang Zijian , Gong Haiyi , Xu Da , Wang Jing , Li Zifu , Cui Xingang , Xiao Jianru , Meng Tong , Zhou Wang , Liu Jianmin , Xu Huji
Published: January 2020

Since December 2019, a newly identified coronavirus (2019 novel coronavirus, 2019-nCov) is causing outbreak of pneumonia in one of largest cities, Wuhan, in Hubei province of China and has draw significant public health attention. The same as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), 2019-nCov enters into host cells via cell receptor angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE2). In order to dissect the ACE2-expressing cell composition and proportion and explore a potential route of the 2019-nCov infection in digestive system infection, 4 datasets with single-cell transcriptomes of lung, esophagus, gastric, ileum and colon were analyzed. The data showed that ACE2 was not only highly expressed in the lung AT2 cells, esophagus upper and stratified epithelial cells but also in absorptive enterocytes from ileum and colon. These results indicated along with respiratory systems, digestive system is a potential routes for 2019-nCov infection. In conclusion, this study has provided the bioinformatics evidence of the potential route for infection of 2019-nCov in digestive system along with respiratory tract and may have significant impact for our healthy policy setting regards to prevention of 2019-nCoV infection.
HELLS and PRDM9 form a pioneer complex to open chromatin at meiotic recombination hot spots
Authors: Spruce Catrina , Dlamini Sibongakonke , Ananda Guruprasad , Bronkema Naomi , Tian Hui , Paigen Kenneth , Carter Gregory W. , Baker Christopher L.
Published: January 2020

Chromatin barriers prevent spurious interactions between regulatory elements and DNA-binding proteins. One such barrier, whose mechanism for overcoming is poorly understood, is access to recombination hot spots during meiosis. Here we show that the chromatin remodeler HELLS and DNA-binding protein PRDM9 function together to open chromatin at hot spots and provide access for the DNA double-strand break (DSB) machinery. Recombination hot spots are decorated by a unique combination of histone modifications not found at other regulatory elements. HELLS is recruited to hot spots by PRDM9 and is necessary for both histone modifications and DNA accessibility at hot spots. In male mice lacking HELLS, DSBs are retargeted to other sites of open chromatin, leading to germ cell death and sterility. Together, these data provide a model for hot spot activation in which HELLS and PRDM9 form a pioneer complex to create a unique epigenomic environment of open chromatin, permitting correct placement and repair of DSBs.
Study of an aluminium mixing system based on permanent magnets
Authors: Morev Andrey , Aliferov Alexander
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the rotating magnetic field of permanent magnets on the aluminium melt bath.

Design/methodology/approach

This model was developed in the ANSYS software package and is based on the application of the finite element method and finite volume.

Findings

The distribution of the velocity of the melt in a cylindrical vertical bath and the dependence of the maximum value of the melt displacement on the angular rotation velocity of the system of permanent magnets is obtained.

Originality/value

This work focusses on the interaction of the magnetic field of the moving magnets with the molten metal.
100 years multivibrator-history, circuits and mathematical analysis
Authors: Mathis Wolfgang
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This work is intended to historically commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the invention of a new type of electronic circuit, referred to in 1919 by Abraham and Bloch as a multivibrator and by Eccles and Jordan as a trigger relay (later known as a flip-flop).

Design/methodology/approach

The author also considers the circuit-technical side of this new type of circuit, considering the technological change as well as the mathematical concepts developed in the context of the analysis of the circuit.

Findings

The multivibrator resulted in a “circuit shape” which became one of the most applied nonlinear circuits in electronics. It is shown that at the beginning the multivibrator as well as the flip-flop circuits were used because their interesting properties in the frequency domain.

Originality/value

Therefore, it is a very interesting subject to consider the history of the multivibrator as electronic circuits in different technologies including tube, transistors and integrated circuits as well as the mathematical theory based on the concept from electrical circuit theory.
Analysis of national human resource development (NHRD) policies of 2016 in South Korea with implications
Authors: Roh Kyungran , Ryu Hyunok , McLean Gary N.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of national human resource development (NHRD) policies led by South Korean central government agencies, identifying what policy decisions have been made and how they were implemented.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from the 2016 NHRD policy budget plans of the ministries and used content analysis. The unit of analysis was the fourth level, a sub-task, in each ministry’s policy budget plan. All coded policy contents were analyzed in terms of the centralized NHRD model, as well as through the perspective of developmental task theory.

Findings

The study yielded the following policy and implementation problems. First, the current system of NHRD policies established and implemented by individual ministries risks hampering the validity and effectiveness of the policies. Second, the structure of NHRD policy execution may cause similarity and redundancy across policies, thereby hindering the efficiency of the policies. Third, it is problematic when NHRD policies focus on solving short-term problems to the exclusion of long-term ones.

Originality/value

This study provides public recommendations to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of NHRD policies created by South Korea’s Central Government. If such an analysis has been made internally by the government, it has not been made publicly available. It also offers practical insights that might help to improve state-led human resource development policies for other countries – especially developing countries – that are planning to introduce central government-led NHRD or to improve existing NHRD policies.
Budget and midrange hotel managers’ perceptions of and responses to Airbnb
Authors: Alrawadieh Zaid , Guttentag Daniel , Aydogan Cifci Merve , Cetin Gurel
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the degree to which budget and mid-range hoteliers perceive Airbnb as a threat, and the extent to which they are actively responding to the peer-to-peer accommodation business model.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on qualitative data collected through 19 semi-structured interviews with budget and midrange hotel managers in Istanbul, Turkey, covering how they view Airbnb and have responded to Airbnb’s rise.

Findings

The results suggest that the managers believed they were losing some business to Airbnb, yet they generally neither perceive Airbnb as a serious threat nor were they generally taking concrete strategic measures to respond to Airbnb. Regulatory lobbying against Airbnb and exploiting Airbnb as a new distribution platform were the most common responses, and cutting rate also was commonly seen as a potential competitive strategy.

Originality/value

The study responds to calls by several scholars for more research addressing the strategies adopted by traditional lodging facilities to protect their market share from Airbnb. This study does so with a specific focus on the budget and midrange hotel segments, which some studies suggest may be particularly vulnerable to Airbnb competition. Also, the limited research addressing Airbnb’s perceived impacts on traditional lodging has been conducted in mature economies, so the topic remains largely neglected in maturing economies like Turkey.
Conceptualizing and validating resource recombination in context of higher educational institution competitiveness
Authors: Muneeb Dilnaz , Khong Kok Wei , Ennew Christine , Avvari Mohan
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how resource recombination (RR) may be conceptualized with special reference to the competitiveness of Higher Education Institutions (HEI).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper consists of two main studies. Building on pertinent available literature on the subject area, a qualitative investigation was conducted with the help of a semi-structured interview guide. Findings of study one were systematically analysed against a literature derived template. Study two presents a quantitative survey investigation that follows from the codes and themes derived from study one. In study two, findings were validated and analysed with the help of structural equation modelling.

Findings

Study one findings identified a total of 64 individual themes representing resources (21 themes), business processes (29 themes) and complementary factors (14 themes), as elements of RR in HEI competitiveness. In study two, the measurement model for RR was found to contain five main factors, namely, asset, research and affiliation processes, automated technology management, financial support for HR and departmental initiatives mainstream staff rewards and retention and institutional brand image appeal.

Practical implications

A significant contribution is made to theory development in the area of RR. Other implications to HEI competitiveness in contribution to national development were offered.

Originality/value

The area of RR remains largely uncovered in strategic management. Conceptualizing RR in the context of HEI competitiveness is new and in the right direction to jumpstart interest in this area by proposing a validated measurement model of HEI.
Comparing oil condition in diesel and gasoline engines
Authors: Agocs Adam , Budnyk Serhiy , Frauscher Marcella , Ronai Bettina , Besser Charlotte , Dörr Nicole
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to compare the conditions of in-service oils from diesel and gasoline engines, with focus on nitration.

Design/methodology/approach

Oil conditions of seven engine oil samples from five diesel-fueled vehicles and nine oil samples from eight gasoline-fueled vehicles with total mileage ranging from 13,600 to 30,000 km were determined via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy as well as neutralization number (NN) and total base number titration.

Findings

Chemical deterioration was characterized by significant differences in oxidation, nitration, NN increase and residual aminic antioxidant contents.

Social implications

Submitted in connection with the Special Issue, “Young Tribologists – Insights into the work of the new generation”.

Originality/value

Uncovering differences in the oil degradation of oils from gasoline and diesel engines enables improved condition-based maintenance strategies and the prediction of oil condition dependent tribological performance.
Export market orientation and its consequences: a meta-analytic review and assessment of contextual and measurement moderators
Authors: Bıçakcıoğlu-Peynirci Nilay , İpek İlayda
Published: January 2020

Purpose

In spite of the considerable research interests particularly devoted to meta-analyze the empirical findings on market orientation in the domestic context, much little attention has been assigned to the role of market orientation in the field of exporting. Owing to the fast progress in the momentum of the empirical articles pertaining to export market orientation, this study aims to quantitatively synthesize all empirical studies on the export market orientation’s linkage with performance-related consequences, firm capabilities and strategy-related consequences. Besides, this meta-analysis endeavors to examine the impact of potential contextual and measurement moderators on export market orientation and its consequences by following a meta-analysis perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative evidence was drawn from a meta-analysis of 89 total effects (N = 8,652).

Findings

The meta-analysis results reveal that export market orientation has a major impact on both innovation performance and firm capabilities. Moreover, the meta-analytic evidence also indicates that the strength of the association between export market orientation and capability building/strategy-related consequences is greater for firms operating in high collectivist cultures, whereas the magnitude of the correlation between export market orientation and performance-related consequences is stronger for least developed countries.

Originality/value

On the basis of the findings, this study considerably contributes to the related body of research by aggregating fragmented empirical evidence in the extant literature and providing beneficial insights for both researchers and practitioners.
Relationship closeness paradox: contingency analysis in B2B sales
Authors: Wang Yonggui , Hampson Daniel Peter , Han Myat Su
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the positive and negative consequences of relationship closeness between salespersons and their business customers in a B2B sales context: sales performance and salesperson passive opportunism.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the social exchange theory, the authors develop a conceptual model of positive and negative consequences of relationship closeness. The authors empirically test the model using matched survey data from 269 salesperson-sales supervisor dyads and individual sales performance ratings from one of the largest distribution and market expansion companies in Myanmar.

Findings

Results provide evidence of positive (i.e. sales performance) and negative (i.e. salesperson passive opportunism) consequences of salesperson’s perceived relationship closeness. These relationships are, however, contingent on organization-level and employee-level factors. High extent of supervision enhances the effects of salesperson’s perceived relationship closeness on sales performance but attenuates its influence on salesperson passive opportunism. The effect of salesperson’s perceived relationship closeness on salesperson’s passive opportunism is stronger for salespersons with a promotion (vs prevention) focus.

Research limitations/implications

The results offer guidelines to firms seeking to optimize the efficacy of close relationships between their salespersons and customers. For example, higher levels of supervision could increase the likelihood of positive outcomes of relationship closeness while minimizing its negative consequences.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate not only the benefits of relationship closeness between salespersons and customers but also its dark side: the relationship closeness paradox.
Modelling of sharing networks in the circular economy
Authors: Jayakumar Jaivignesh , K. Jayakrishna , K.E.K. Vimal , Hasibuan Sawarni
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and optimize a mathematical model based on a framework that integrates key concepts related to a circular economy (CE) and sharing economy (SE) for a leading manufacturer of laptops in India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study mathematically modelled the integration of sharing networks in a circular production system. This is done through an optimization package that deploys a multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model.

Findings

This study evaluated the economic benefit and the environmental impact associated with the aforementioned integration in a production system. This study illustrated the inverse relationship between economic benefit and environmental impact and provided a set of solutions that can be used according to the case organizations goals, capacities and logistical capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

This study will aid similarly structured companies in adopting this approach to integrate sustainable practices in their production system. It also enumerated Industry 4.0 (I4.0) use-cases that can be used to effectively implement this mathematical model. Further research can be conducted using multiple companies in an inter-dependent network to maximize synergy.

Practical implications

This study will help to better understand the role of sharing networks in the circular economy model especially in the consumer electronics industry.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to mathematically model the integration of aspects related to SE and CE. It also validates the aforementioned model using a numerical case-study and offers decision-support to key executives within the case organization.
Lessons on ways to develop self-empowerment
Authors: Mays Bradley James , Brevetti Melissa Anne
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Researchers examine the new landscape of higher education, which is changing and evolving in the twenty-first century, as many non-traditional students, especially learners with physical disabilities, are “knocking on the door of higher education” (Harbour and Madaus, 2011, p. 1). Students with physical disabilities must decide how they desire to become engaged (or not) in campus life. This study also provides a theoretical lens of the moral responsibility of the multicultural academic community. Thus, the purpose of this study is to present findings that indicate gaining insight into the isolation, stigma and advocacy of these students’ lived experiences will require openness for inclusive practices to uplift all students with goals of graduation and employment.

Design/methodology/approach

This research investigation includes the process of discovery being analyzed and interpreted through participants’ narratives as a rigorous act of coding, imagination and logic to aggregate findings. To elicit the findings most effectively, transcendental phenomenology is the specific qualitative approach chosen for this study.

Findings

This study includes critical findings that indicate gaining insight into the isolation, stigma and advocacy of these students’ lived educative experiences. Concerns regarding communication and support are emphasized through the participants in the findings.

Research limitations/implications

A core limitation would be that this study takes places without regard for historical lived experiences.

Social implications

Implications exist for this new landscape of Higher Education, as we work beyond the gates of higher education for real-change and social progress. We need to learn about others (non-traditional students) while working toward multicultural competence that should be modeled in academic spaces to impart this knowledge to students to impart into broad society. Let us remember the growth that happens when social support exists, because each person has a value and role in society so that we live together and support each other in lessons of self-empowerment

Originality/value

This is an original study about learners with physical disabilities and the moral issues of how to create an inclusive, multicultural environment in higher education.
Repeat offenders: examining cases of multiple years of internal control weaknesses
Authors: Bakarich Kathleen , Baranek Devon
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify characteristics of firms reporting multiple years of material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting (MWICFR), labeled “Repeat Offenders”, and examine their characteristics and the types of material weaknesses they report using both broad and COSO-based classification schemes. The analysis compares these firms with firms reporting only one year of MWICFR and examines the differences between Repeat Offenders reporting consecutive and non-consecutive weaknesses.

Design/methodology/approach

Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted on a sample of 1,793 firm-year observations, split into Repeat Offenders and non-Repeat Offenders, and collected from AuditAnalytics and Compustat from 2007 to 2015.

Findings

On average, 40% of adverse opinions in ICFR each year can be attributed to Repeat Offenders. Compared to one-time MWICFR firms, Repeat Offenders are significantly more likely to report general material weaknesses and, within the COSO framework, are significantly more likely to report issues with Segregation of Duties and Processes and Procedures. Repeat Offenders reporting consecutive years of MWICFR are significantly more likely to have general weaknesses than non-consecutive Repeat Offenders and are also significantly more likely to report issues with Segregation of Duties and Personnel.

Research limitations/implications

Prior studies have examined unremediated ICFR issues in the periods immediately following SOX implementation. This study extends this literature with a longer, more current sample period, focusing on both broad and COSO-specific control issues, as well as examining consecutive and non-consecutive MWICFR and firms with more than two years of MWICFR.

Originality/value

This study underpins recent Securities and Exchange Commission and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board concerns regarding pervasive ICFR issues. This study identifies some of the characteristics of firms associated with weaker ICFR and pinpoints more specific areas within internal controls that frequently lead to adverse opinions.
Surface crack detection and monitoring in metal structure using RFID tag
Authors: Xu Yawei , Dong Lihong , Wang Haidou , Xie Xiaozhu , Wang Peng
Published: January 2020

Purpose

RFID tags for sensing are available to operate and transmit sensing data to measurement equipment without battery and wires, which is a great advantage in establishing IoT environment. For crack sensing tags, however, the short service life of tags restricted their application. This paper aims to introduce a method of surface crack detection and monitoring based on RFID tag, which makes it possible for tags to be reused.

Design/methodology/approach

Metal plate to be monitored, acting as the ground plane of microstrip patch antenna, is underneath the crack sensing tag. The propagating surface crack in metal plate will change the electric length of tag’s antenna that is directly proportional to the crack depth and length. Thus, the deformation of sensing tag introduced by the load on metal structure is no longer a prerequisite for crack sensing.

Findings

The simulated and experimental results show that the proposed crack sensing tag can sense the change of surface crack with mm-resolution and sense surface crack propagation without a deformation, which means the proposed crack sensing tag can be reused.

Originality/value

The key advantage of the proposed method is the reusability of the RFID tags.
Nitrogen mineralization rates of the soils incubated under different temperatures from different elevations along an environmental gradient on Yakushima Island
Authors: Mukai Mana , Mori Taiki , Aiba Shin‐ichiro , Kitayama Kanehiro
Published: January 2020

Soil nitrogen (N) mineralization is the product of the soil biochemical properties and temperature. It is known that in situ soil N mineralization monotonously decreases with increasing elevation along a mountain slope reflecting decreasing air temperature. However, inherent soil biochemical properties (quality of organic matter and soil microbe profile) may also affect the decreasing soil N mineralization. We analyzed how temperature and inherent soil organic matter quality affect soil N mineralization rates using the elevation gradient of Yakushima with a “common‐site” approach with multiple incubation temperatures. We collected topsoils from seven forests at seven different elevations along 170–1,550 m a.s.l and incubated them under each of four temperatures at 15, 20, 25 and 30°C for 10 days in the lab. We also measured soil microbial biomass and heterotrophic soil respiration rates. Net soil N mineralization rates incubated at 15, 25 and 30°C decreased significantly linearly with increasing elevation of the origin of the soil samples at the same temperature and the intercepts of the regression lines were similar among incubation temperatures 15, 20 and 25°C. These results indicated that in situ net N mineralization rates are regulated primarily by quality of soil organic matter in our sites. Soil phenolics/N ratios increased with increasing elevation reflecting the vegetation shift along elevation and significantly negatively correlated to net soil N mineralization rates incubated at 15°C. We conclude that elevationally differentiated vegetation and associated inherent soil properties exert strong influences on net soil N mineralization rates on Yakushima Island.