bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TET1andTDGsuppress intestinal tumorigenesis by down-regulating the inflammatory and immune response pathways
Authors: Tricarico Rossella , Madzo Jozef , Scher Gabrielle , Maegawa Shinji , Jelinek Jaroslav , Scher Carly , Chang Wen-Chi , Nicolas Emmanuelle , Zhou Yan , Slifker Michael , Devarajan Karthik , Cai Kathy Q. , Nakajima Pamela , Xu Jinfei , Mancuso Pietro , Doneddu Valentina , Bagella Luigi , Ingram Justin , Balachandran Siddharth , Peshkova Iuliia , Koltsova Ekaterina , Grivennikov Sergei , Yen Timothy J. , Issa Jean-Pierre , Bellacosa Alfonso
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Aberrant DNA methylation is frequently observed in colorectal cancer (CRC), but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Ten-Eleven Translocation (TET) dioxygenases and DNA repair enzyme Thymine DNA Glycosylase (TDG) are involved in active DNA demethylation by generating and removing, respectively, novel oxidized cytosine species. Mutations ofTET1andTDG, and alterations of the levels of oxidized cytosine species have been identified in human CRC cases, but the biological significance of the TET-TDG demethylation axis in intestinal tumorigenesis is unclear.

Material and Methods

We generatedApcMinmice with additional inactivation ofTet1and/orTdg, and characterized the methylome and transcriptome of intestinal adenomas by DREAM and RNA sequencing, respectively.

Results

Tet1-and/orTdg-deficientApcMinmice show enhanced intestinal tumorigenesis in comparison to wild typeTet1andTdg ApcMinmice. Specifically,Tet1and/orTdg-deficientApcMinadenomas manifested increased size or features of erosion and stroma activation. Methylome analysis revealed progressive loss of global DNA hypomethylation in colonic adenomas fromTet1-andTdg-deficientApcMinmice, and hypermethylation of CpG islands inTet1-deficientApcMinmice. In addition, RNA sequencing showed upregulation of genes in inflammatory and immune response pathways inTet1-andTdg-mutant colonic adenomas compared to controlApcMinadenomas.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings demonstrate the important role of active DNA demethylation mediated by TET-TDG in reducing intestinal tumor formation, by modulating the epigenome and inflammatory/immune responses. This study highlights a novel mechanism of epigenetic deregulation during intestinal tumorigenesis with diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic implications.
Sun exposure drives Antarctic cryptoendolithic community structure and composition
Authors: Coleine Claudia , Stajich Jason E. , Zucconi Laura , Onofri Silvano , Selbmann Laura
Published: June 2019

The harsh environmental conditions of the ice-free regions of Continental Antarctica are considered one of the closest Martian analogues on Earth. There, rocks play a pivotal role as substratum for life and endolithism represents a primary habitat for microorganisms when external environmental conditions become incompatible with active life on rock surfaces. Due to the thermal inertia of rock, the internal airspace of lithic substratum is where microbiota find a protected and buffered microenvironment, allowing life to spread throughout these regions with extreme temperatures and low water availability. The high degree of adaptation and specialization of the endolithic communities makes them highly resistant but scarsely resilient to any external perturbation and thus, any shifts in microbial community composition may serve as early-alarm systems of environmental perturbation, including climate change.

Previous research concluded that altitude and distance from sea do not play as driving factors in shaping microbial abundance and diversity, while sun exposure was hypothesized as significant parameter influencing endolithic settlement and development. This study aims to explore our hypothesis that changes in sun exposure translate to shifts in community composition and abundances of main biological compartments (fungi, algae and bacteria) in the Antarctic cryptoendolithic communities. We performed a preliminary molecular survey, based on DGGE and qPCR tecniques, of 48 rocks with varying sun exposure, collected in Victoria Land along an altitudinal transect from 834 to 3100 m a.s.l.

Our findings demonstrate that differences in sun radiation between north and south exposure influence temperature of rocks surface, availability of water and metabolic activity and also have significant impact on community composition and microbial abundance.
A New Mathematical Model for Tumor Growth, Reduction and Metastasis, Validation with Zebrafish Melanoma and Potential Implications for Dormancy and Recurrence
Authors: Lesi Adeyinka A. , Heilmann Silja , White Richard M. , Rumschitzki David S.
Published: June 2019

The genetic and environmental heterogeneity associated with tumors makes cancer treatment and recovery a difficult and unpredictable process. Patients with initially similar disease can experience vastly different outcomes including sustained recovery, refractory disease or, remarkably, recurrence years after treatment. Mathematical models informed with animal and human data provide tools for theoretical and clinical understanding of cancer progression and of the causes of highly variant disease outcomes. This work postulates a population balance model to describe how populations of a large ensemble of tumors of different sizes evolve in time. Each tumor can grow or reduce in size and metastasize. Gender-segregated, immune-competent and immune-suppressed translucent zebrafish (Casper variant) were inoculated with a transgenic melanoma cell line expressing human BRAF V600E and GFP and observed for tumor progression and metastasis. The model describes both these fish data sets, full histograms of population number vs size at multiple times for both immune states, and a human hepatocellular carcinoma data set also consisting of multiple time histograms very well with a minimum of cancer-specific parameters. The only zebrafish parameter to show strong gender-dependence was the host-dependent tumor reduction (immunity) parameter. This result significantly predicts that men should have far worse outcomes than females, yet similar metastasis rates, which are both indeed the case in human melanomas. Moreover the dynamic growth - reduction interplay, for certain relationships between these processes’ parameters in the model provides a potential mechanism for apparent cancer dormancy and recurrence. Although fish melanoma parameters are not in this range, the model guides future work to try to access it.
A Bayesian Zero-Inflated Binomial Regression and Its Application in Dose-Finding Study
Authors: Wanitjirattikal Puntipa , Shi Chenyang
Published: June 2019

In early phase clinical trial, finding maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) is a very important goal. Many researches show that finding a correct MTD can improve drug efficacy and safety significantly. Usually, dose-finding trials start from very low doses, so in many cases, more than 50% patients or cohorts do not have dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), but DLT may occur suddenly and increase fast along with just two or three doses. Although some fantastic models were built to find MTD, little consideration was given to those ‘0 DLTs’ and the ‘jump’ of DLTs. We developed a Bayesian zero-inflated binomial regression for dose-finding study based on Hall (2000), which analyses dose-finding data from two aspects: 1) observation of only zeros, 2) number of DLTs based on binomial distribution, so it can help us analyse if the cohorts without DLT have potential possibility to have DLT and fit the ‘jump’ of DLTs.
Risk factors for asthma among schoolchildren who participated in a case-control study in urban Uganda
Authors: Mpairwe Harriet , Namutebi Milly , Nkurunungi Gyaviira , Tumwesige Pius , Nambuya Irene , Mukasa Mike , Onen Caroline , Nnaluwooza Marble , Apule Barbara , Katongole Tonny , Oduru Gloria , Kahwa Joseph , Webb Emily L , Lubyayi Lawrence , Pearce Neil , Elliott Alison M
Published: June 2019

Data on asthma aetiology in Africa are scarce. We investigated the risk factors for asthma among schoolchildren (5-17years) in urban Uganda. We conducted a case-control study, enrolling 561 cases and 1,139 controls. Asthma was diagnosed by study clinicians.

The main risk factors for asthma were tertiary education for fathers [adjusted OR (95% CI); 2.49 (1.89-3.29)] and mothers [2.14 (1.64-2.78)]; area of residence at birth, with children born in a small town or in the city having an increased asthma risk compared to schoolchildren born in rural areas [2.00 (1.49-2.68)] and [2.82 (1.85-4.30)], respectively; father’s and mother’s history of asthma; children’s own allergic conditions; atopy; and using gas/electricity for indoor cooking.

Asthma was associated with a strong rural-town-city risk gradient, higher parental socio-economic status and urbanicity. This work provides the basis for future studies to identify specific environmental/lifestyle factors responsible for increasing asthma risk among children in urban areas in LMICs.
Assessing Root System Architecture of Wheat Seedlings Using A High-Throughput Root Phenotyping System
Authors: Adeleke E. , Millas R. , McNeal W. , Faris J , Taheri A.
Published: June 2019

Background and aims

Root system architecture is a vital part of the plant that has been shown to vary between species and within species based on response to genotypic and/or environmental influences. The root traits of wheat seedlings is critical for the establishment and evidently linked to plant height and seed yield. However, plant breeders have not efficiently developed the role of RSA in wheat selection due to the difficulty of studying root traits.

Methods

We set up a root phenotyping platform to characterize RSA in 34 wheat accessions. The phenotyping pipeline consists of the germination paper-based moisture replacement system, image capture units, and root-image processing software. The 34 accessions from two different wheat ploidy levels (hexaploids and tetraploids), were characterized in ten replicates. A total of 19 root traits were quantified from the root architecture generated.

Results

This pipeline allowed for rapid screening of 340 wheat seedlings within 10days. Also, at least one line from each ploidy (6x and 4x) showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in measured traits except in mean seminal count. Our result also showed strong correlation (0.8) between total root length, maximum depth and convex hull area.

Conclusions

This phenotyping pipeline has the advantage and capacity to increase screening potential at early stages of plant development leading to characterization of wheat seedling traits that can be further examined using QTL analysis in populations generated from the examined accessions.
Structural analysis of pathogenic missense mutations in GABRA2 and identification of a novel de novo variant in the desensitization gate
Authors: Sanchis-Juan Alba , Hasenahuer Marcia A , Baker James A , McTague Amy , Barwick Katy , Kurian Manju A , Duarte Sofia T ,   NIHR BioResource, Thornton Janet , Raymond F Lucy
Published: June 2019

Cys-loop receptors are vital for controlling neuronal excitability in the brain and their dysfunction results in numerous neurological disorders. Recently, six de novo missense variants in GABRA2 gene, a member of this family, have been associated with early infantile epileptic encephalopathy (EIEE) and intellectual disability with seizures. Here, using whole-genome sequencing we identified a de novo missense variant in GABRA2 gene in a patient with EIEE and developmental delay. We perform protein structural analysis of the seven variants and show that all the mutations are in the transmembrane domain, either close to the desensitization gate, the activation gate or in inter-subunit interfaces. Further investigations demonstrated that the majority of pathogenic variants reported are at equivalent positions in other Cys-loop receptors, emphasizing the importance of these residues for the adequate function of the receptor. Also, a comparison of the distribution of the mutations in all the Cys-loop receptors showed that pathogenic variants are more common in the transmembrane helices, more specifically in the M2 helix, highlighting the importance of this segment. Our study expands the clinical spectrum of individuals with pathogenic missense mutations in GABRA2, defines the regions where pathogenic mutations are in the protein structure, and highlights the value of considering sequence, evolutionary, and structural information from other Cys-loop receptors as a strategy for variant interpretation of novel missense mutations in GABRA2.
On the expression of co-operative feeding behaviour in 3rd instar Drosophila melanogaster larvae!
Authors: Khodaei Lucas , Newman Tara , Lum Samantha , Ngo Henry , Maoloni Matthew , Long Tristan A.F.
Published: June 2019

Under poor nutritional conditions, 3rd instar Drosophila melanogaster larvae will work collaboratively in feeding clusters to obtain resources that cannot be reached individually. To better understand the conditions that influence the expression of this behaviour we examined the frequencies, the size and the membership in vials of flies that were initially seeded with either 100 or 200 eggs each using flies from both a large, outbred population and a replicate population that was homozygous for the bw allele. Overall, more feeding clusters, containing more larval participants were observed in the higher density vials compared to the lower density vials, consistent with the idea that this social behaviour is a response to dwindling resources in the environment. The presence of the bw allele did not result in greater egg-to-adult mortality, nor did it result in lower participation in feeding clusters.
Mutual Regulation of Receptor-Like Kinase SIT1 and B'κ-PP2A Shapes the Early Response of Rice to Salt Stress
Authors: Zhao Ji-Long , Zhang Li-Qing , Liu Ning , Xu Shou-Ling , Yue Zhi-Liang , Zhang Lu-Lu , Deng Zhi-Ping , Burlingame Alma L. , Sun Da-Ye , Wang Zhi-Yong , Sun Ying , Zhang Sheng-Wei
Published: June 2019

The receptor-like kinase SIT1 acts as a sensor in rice (Oryza sativa) roots, relaying salt stress signals via elevated kinase activity to enhance salt sensitivity. Here, we demonstrate that Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulatory subunit B'κ constrains SIT1 activity under salt stress. B'κ-PP2A deactivates SIT1 directly by dephosphorylating the kinase at Thr515/516, a salt-induced phosphorylation site in the activation loop that is essential for SIT1 activity. B'κ overexpression suppresses the salt sensitivity of rice plants expressing high levels of SIT1, thereby contributing to salt tolerance. B'κ functions in a SIT1 kinase-dependent manner. During early salt stress, activated SIT1 phosphorylates B'κ; this not only enhances its binding with SIT1, it also promotes B'κ protein accumulation via Ser502 phosphorylation. Consequently, by blocking SIT1 phosphorylation, B'κ inhibits and fine-tunes SIT1 activity to balance plant growth and stress adaptation.
The SwissFEL soft X-ray free-electron laser beamline: Athos
Authors: Abela Rafael , Alarcon Arturo , Alex Jürgen , Arrell Christopher , Arsov Vladimir , Bettoni Simona , Bopp Markus , Bostedt Christoph , Braun Hans-Heinrich , Calvi Marco , Celcer Tine , Craievich Paolo , Dax Andreas , Dijkstal Philipp , Dordevic Sladana , Ferrari Eugenio , Flechsig Uwe , Follath Rolf , Frei Franziska , Gaiffi Nazareno , Geng Zheqiao , Gough Christopher , Hiller Nicole , Hunziker Stephan , Huppert Martin , Ischebeck Rasmus , Jöhri Haimo , Juranic Pavle , Kalt Roger , Kaiser Maik , Keil Boris , Kittel Christoph , Künzi René , Lippuner Thomas , Löhl Florian , Marcellini Fabio , Marinkovic Goran , Ozkan Loch Cigdem , Orlandi Gian Luca , Patterson Bruce , Pradervand Claude , Paraliev Martin , Pedrozzi Marco , Prat Eduard , Ranitovic Predrag , Reiche Sven , Rosenberg Colette , Sanfilippo Stephane , Schietinger Thomas , Schmidt Thomas , Schnorr Kirsten , Svetina Cristian , Trisorio Alexandre , Vicario Carlo , Voulot Didier , Wagner Ulrich , Wörner Hans Jakob , Zandonella Adriano , Patthey Luc , Ganter Romain
Published: June 2019

The SwissFEL soft X-ray free-electron laser (FEL) beamline Athos will be ready for user operation in 2021. Its design includes a novel layout of alternating magnetic chicanes and short undulator segments. Together with the APPLE X architecture of undulators, the Athos branch can be operated in different modes producing FEL beams with unique characteristics ranging from attosecond pulse length to high-power modes. Further space has been reserved for upgrades including modulators and an external seeding laser for better timing control. All of these schemes rely on state-of-the-art technologies described in this overview. The optical transport line distributing the FEL beam to the experimental stations was designed with the whole range of beam parameters in mind. Currently two experimental stations, one for condensed matter and quantum materials research and a second one for atomic, molecular and optical physics, chemical sciences and ultrafast single-particle imaging, are being laid out such that they can profit from the unique soft X-ray pulses produced in the Athos branch in an optimal way.
On-chip crystallization for serial crystallography experiments and on-chip ligand-binding studies
Authors: Lieske Julia , Cerv Maximilian , Kreida Stefan , Komadina Dana , Fischer Janine , Barthelmess Miriam , Fischer Pontus , Pakendorf Tim , Yefanov Oleksandr , Mariani Valerio , Seine Thomas , Ross Breyan H. , Crosas Eva , Lorbeer Olga , Burkhardt Anja , Lane Thomas J. , Guenther Sebastian , Bergtholdt Julian , Schoen Silvan , Törnroth-Horsefield Susanna , Chapman Henry N. , Meents Alke
Published: June 2019

Efficient and reliable sample delivery has remained one of the bottlenecks for serial crystallography experiments. Compared with other methods, fixed-target sample delivery offers the advantage of significantly reduced sample consumption and shorter data collection times owing to higher hit rates. Here, a new method of on-chip crystallization is reported which allows the efficient and reproducible growth of large numbers of protein crystals directly on micro-patterned silicon chips for in-situ serial crystallography experiments. Crystals are grown by sitting-drop vapor diffusion and previously established crystallization conditions can be directly applied. By reducing the number of crystal-handling steps, the method is particularly well suited for sensitive crystal systems. Excessive mother liquor can be efficiently removed from the crystals by blotting, and no sealing of the fixed-target sample holders is required to prevent the crystals from dehydrating. As a consequence, `naked' crystals are obtained on the chip, resulting in very low background scattering levels and making the crystals highly accessible for external manipulation such as the application of ligand solutions. Serial diffraction experiments carried out at cryogenic temperatures at a synchrotron and at room temperature at an X-ray free-electron laser yielded high-quality X-ray structures of the human membrane protein aquaporin 2 and two new ligand-bound structures of thermolysin and the human kinase DRAK2. The results highlight the applicability of the method for future high-throughput on-chip screening of pharmaceutical compounds.
Structures of three ependymin-related proteins suggest their function as a hydrophobic molecule binder
Authors: Park Jeong Kuk , Kim Keon Young , Sim Yeo Won , Kim Yong-In , Kim Jin Kyun , Lee Cheol , Han Jeongran , Kim Chae Un , Lee J. Eugene , Park SangYoun
Published: June 2019

Ependymin was first discovered as a predominant protein in brain extracellular fluid in fish and was suggested to be involved in functions mostly related to learning and memory. Orthologous proteins to ependymin called ependymin-related proteins (EPDRs) have been found to exist in various tissues from sea urchins to humans, yet their functional role remains to be revealed. In this study, the structures of EPDR1 from frog, mouse and human were determined and analyzed. All of the EPDR1s fold into a dimer using a monomeric subunit that is mostly made up of two stacking antiparallel β-sheets with a curvature on one side, resulting in the formation of a deep hydrophobic pocket. All six of the cysteine residues in the monomeric subunit participate in the formation of three intramolecular disulfide bonds. Other interesting features of EPDR1 include two asparagine residues with glycosylation and a Ca2+-binding site. The EPDR1 fold is very similar to the folds of bacterial VioE and LolA/LolB, which also use a similar hydrophobic pocket for their respective functions as a hydrophobic substrate-binding enzyme and a lipoprotein carrier, respectively. A further fatty-acid binding assay using EPDR1 suggests that it indeed binds to fatty acids, presumablyviathis pocket. Additional interactome analysis of EPDR1 showed that EPDR1 interacts with insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor and flotillin proteins, which are known to be involved in protein and vesicle translocation.
Symmetry-mode analysis for intuitive observation of structure–property relationships in the lead-free antiferroelectric (1−x)AgNbO3–xLiTaO3
Authors: Lu Teng , Tian Ye , Studer Andrew , Narayanan Narendirakumar , Li Qian , Withers Ray , Jin Li , Mendez-González Y. , Peláiz-Barranco A. , Yu Dehong , McIntyre Garry J. , Xu Zhuo , Wei Xiaoyong , Yan Haixue , Liu Yun
Published: June 2019

Functional materials are of critical importance to electronic and smart devices. A deep understanding of the structure–property relationship is essential for designing new materials. In this work, instead of utilizing conventional atomic coordinates, a symmetry-mode approach is successfully used to conduct structure refinement of the neutron powder diffraction data of (1−x)AgNbO3–xLiTaO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.09) ceramics. This provides rich structural information that not only clarifies the controversial symmetry assigned to pure AgNbO3 but also explains well the detailed structural evolution of (1−x)AgNbO3–xLiTaO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.09) ceramics, and builds a comprehensive and straightforward relationship between structural distortion and electrical properties. It is concluded that there are four relatively large-amplitude major modes that dominate the distorted Pmc21 structure of pure AgNbO3, namely a Λ3 antiferroelectric mode, a T4+ a
−
a
−
c
0 octahedral tilting mode, an H2 a
0
a
0
c
+/a
0
a
0
c
− octahedral tilting mode and a Γ4− ferroelectric mode. The H2 and Λ3 modes become progressively inactive with increasing x and their destabilization is the driving force behind the composition-driven phase transition between the Pmc21 and R3c phases. This structural variation is consistent with the trend observed in the measured temperature-dependent dielectric properties and polarization–electric field (P-E) hysteresis loops. The mode crystallography applied in this study provides a strategy for optimizing related properties by tuning the amplitudes of the corresponding modes in these novel AgNbO3-based (anti)ferroelectric materials.
Syntheses, crystal structures, and comparisons of rare-earth oxyapatites Ca2
RE
8(SiO4)6O2 (RE = La, Nd, Sm, Eu, or Yb) and NaLa9(SiO4)6O2
Authors: Crum Jarrod V. , Chong Saehwa , Peterson Jacob A. , Riley Brian J.
Published: June 2019

Six different rare-earth oxyapatites, including Ca2
RE
8(SiO4)6O2 (RE = La, Nd, Sm, Eu, or Yb) and NaLa9(SiO4)6O2, were synthesized using solution-based processes followed by cold pressing and sintering. The crystal structures of the synthesized oxyapatites were determined from powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD) and their chemistries verified with electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). All the oxyapatites were isostructural within the hexagonal space group P63/m and showed similar unit-cell parameters. The isolated [SiO4]4− tetrahedra in each crystal are linked by the cations at the 4f and 6h sites occupied by RE
3+ and Ca2+ in Ca2
RE
8(SiO4)6O2 or La3+ and Na+ in NaLa9(SiO4)6O2. The lattice parameters, cell volumes, and densities of the synthesized oxyapatites fit well to the trendlines calculated from literature values.
Synthesis and crystal structure of a new hybrid organic–inorganic material containing neutral molecules, cations and heptamolybdate anions
Authors: Sarr Bougar , Mbaye Abdou , Diallo Wally , Diop Cheikh Abdoul Khadir , Sidibe Mamadou , Michaud Francois
Published: June 2019

The title compound, hexakis(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium) heptamolybdate 2-methyl-1H-imidazole disolvate dihydrate, (C4H7N2)6[Mo7O24]·2C4H6N2·2H2O, was prepared from 2-methylimidazole and ammonium heptamolybdate tetrahydrate in acid solution. The [Mo7O24]6−heptamolybdate cluster anion is accompanied by six protonated (C4H7N2)+2-methylimidazolium cations, two neutral C4H6N22-methylimidazole molecules and two water molecules of crystallization. The cluster consists of seven distorted MoO6octahedra sharing edges or vertices. In the crystal, the components are linked by N—H...N, N—H...O, O—H...O, N—H...(O,O) and O—H...(O,O) hydrogen bonds, generating a three-dimensional network. Weak C—H...O interactions consolidate the packing.
The research trends in recommender systems for e-learning
Authors: Zhong Jiemin , Xie Haoran , Wang Fu Lee
Published: June 2019

Purpose

A recommendation algorithm is typically applied to speculate on users’ preferences based on their behavioral characteristics. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of recommendation systems by collecting related journal articles from the last five years (i.e. from 2014 to 2018). This paper aims to study the correlations between recommendation technologies and e-learning systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the relevant articles using five assessment aspects. A coding scheme was put forward that includes the following: the metrics for the e-learning system, the evaluation metrics for the recommendation algorithms, the recommendation filtering technology, the phases of the recommendation process and the learning outcomes of the system.

Findings

The research indicates that most e-learning systems will adopt the adaptive mechanism as a primary metric, and accuracy is a vital evaluation indicator for recommendation algorithms. In existing e-learning recommender systems, the most common recommendation filtering technology is hybrid filtering. The information collection phase is an important process recognized by most studies. Finally, the learning outcomes of the recommender system can be achieved through two key indicators: affections and correlations.

Originality/value

The recommendation technology works effectively in closing the gap between the information producer and the information consumer. This technology could help learners find the information they are interested in as well as send them a valuable message. The opportunities and challenges of the current study are discussed; the results of this study could provide a guideline for future research.
Electronic word-of-mouth generation and regulatory focus
Authors: Sohaib Muhammad , Akram Umair , Hui Peng , Rasool Hassan , Razzaq Zohaib , Kaleem Khan Muhammad
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) motivations of regulatory-focused customers with positive and negative consumption experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey is conducted in Beijing and Shanghai. A random sampling technique is used to collect data from 854 respondents. Two scenarios of eWOM communication – positive and negative consumption experiences – are randomly assigned to each respondent. This study employs the structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis techniques. However, it uses ordinary least squares and logistic regression to analyze 137 participants in the experimental study.

Findings

Promotion-focused customers that aim for self-enhancement and obtaining social benefits are motivated to spread positive eWOM on social networking sites. However, prevention-focused customers are driven by vengeance and anxiety, revealing higher intentions to post negative eWOM on review sites. eWOM generation is subject to gender, as promotion-focused male customers spread it more than both prevention-focused and promotion-focused female customers. Moreover, platform assistance (PA) has a significant positive impact upon regulatory-focused customers and eWOM (positive vs negative) relationships.

Practical implications

This study provides a deeper understanding of motivational factors of eWOM communication. Specifically, in case of product or service failure, negative consumption experiences drive prevention-focused customers to generate negative eWOM. Thus, using various tactics, marketers need to shift customers from focusing on prevention to focusing on promotion. For example, redeemable free coupons can shift customer attention and generate positive eWOM.

Originality/value

This study provides unique insights about eWOM motivation across genders. It examines regulatory focus, positive vs negative consumption experiences and moderation of PA.
Hungry for more: understanding young domestic travellers’ return for Penang street food
Authors: Yeap Jasmine A.L. , Ong Kim Sheinne Galzote , Yapp Emily H.T. , Ooi Say Keat
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the process that leads to the revisit intentions of young domestic travellers to Penang for its multi-ethnic street food based on the ABC model of attitudes and the theory of consumption values.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected online from 305 local Generation Y and Z travellers via a purposive sampling method and analysed using SmartPLS v.3.2.6.

Findings

Taste value had the most salient effect on attitude towards Penang street food followed by emotional value. The impact of attitude on the intention to revisit Penang for its street food is mediated by place attachment.

Practical implications

Apart from ensuring the authentic taste of multi-ethnic street food is preserved, campaigns crafted to boost street food tourism should communicate how eating street food can manifest in feelings of enjoyment, pleasure and excitement to the young travellers as well as highlight the identity of the place as an incomparable street food destination.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that continuous revisits to a destination for street food is affective-driven with the significant role of place attachment as a mediator and the intangible force of emotional value (apart from taste value) influencing attitude towards street food.
Techniques of impedance matching for minimal PCB channel loss at 40 GBPS signal transmission
Authors: Yee Chang Fei , Mohamad Isa Muammar , Abdullah Al-Hadi Azremi , Md Arshad Mohd Khairuddin
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the negative impact of surface mount (SMT) pad and imperfect via structure such as stub, pad, non-functional pad (NFP) and anti-pad on the signal integrity at 40 Gbps transmission on printed circuit board (PCB) due to impedance mismatch or discontinuity. The optimized modeling of via and SMT structures is performed to achieve minimal impedance mismatch and insertion loss less than 10 dB for six-inch full path transmission line between transmitter and receiver on PCB at Nyquist frequency 20 GHz.

Design/methodology/approach

This work is split into two phases. The first phase involves optimization of via and SMT structures in three-dimensional electromagnetic (3DEM) simulation using Hyperlynx Via Wizard and Keysight EMPro software, respectively, followed by analysis of time domain reflectometry (TDR) and insertion loss (Sdd21). Whereas, in the second phase, full path hybrid mode simulation involving vias for signal layer transition, a 6-inch PCB channel and SMT pads is performed using Keysight ADS software to observe the TDR, Sdd21 and eye diagram at 40 Gbps transmission.

Findings

Imperfect via and SMT structures have a negative effect on signal reflection and attenuation. The optimized via and SMT minimizes the impedance mismatch by 81 per cent and insertion loss by 4.5 dB, ultimately enlarging the eye diagram opening to achieve minimal data loss at receiver with 40 Gbps transmission.

Originality/value

The results of original empirical research work on signal integrity analysis that optimizes the PCB channel design to achieve 40 Gbps signal transmission are presented in this study. It serves as a reference guide for high-speed PCB layout design.
Consideration of issues and solutions related to the coexistence of cultural properties and the real life of the neighborhood
Authors: Ishida Yuko , Kim Dowon , Konegawa Tatsuo , Fukagawa Ryoichi
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to organize the issues that arise during repair processes when the cultural heritage sites and the infrastructure of local residents are simultaneously damaged by disasters and to propose measures before disaster occurrence.

Design/methodology/approach

Issues to be considered regarding restoration processes are extracted based on details of damages and restoration work caused by disasters to the world heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” and the surrounding living facilities and hearings from government officials.

Findings

In order to develop a restoration method with little burden on cultural properties, it is important that related institutions collaborate before the occurrence of disasters and consider reconstruction methods with low environmental impact. The authors should increase the number of effective countermeasure options that prioritize harmony with nature and scenery preservation prior to disasters.

Research limitations/implications

Little is known about the best practice of reconstruction work at the cultural heritage sites.

Practical implications

The damages and restoration works which are described in this paper serve as a precedent of recovery works from future disaster occurrence.

Social implications

The damages and restoration works of Yokogaki-toge Pass, the issues extracted and the measures proposed which are presented in this paper would be helpful the people involved in cultural properties to think about better methods of restoration.

Originality/value

In the hearing investigation clarified that both the person in charge of cultural property and public facility management recognize importance learning from many effective countermeasure methods and previous cases to make a better recovery plan for future damage.
Balancing and stabilizing South Asia: challenges and opportunities for sustainable peace and stability
Authors: Khan Zafar
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to elaborate in a greater detail about how to manage and eventually help resolve outstanding issues, including the core issue of Kashmir between nuclear India and Pakistan. In doing so, this paper elaborates various innovative measures that could be applicable to South Asian nuclear environment that in turn could assist the South Asian nuclear leadership in understanding and managing the fragility of South Asian nuclear deterrence.

Design/methodology/approach

Innovatively, this research paper looks at the South Asian nuclear issues at three levels of analysis – understanding the prevailing dynamics of nuclear revolution and improved means of communications and promoting deterrence stability in South Asia. All three levels may be more needed than ever before in the wake of the arrival of nuclear weapons for a broader Southern Asian region.

Findings

This paper finds out that although nuclear weapons have become a reality in South Asia and these deadly weapons have prevented major wars between India and Pakistan, nuclear weapons have not prevented the crises between India and Pakistan. Therefore, both India and Pakistan have confronted a number of crises. The paper finds out that any serious crisis between India and Pakistan could further undermine the credibility of existing confidence-building measures and the same could escalate from military to nuclear level. Absent from immediate measures undertaken by the South Asian security leadership, nuclear weapons may not help prevent the war between India and Pakistan at the sub-conventional level, this paper finds out.

Originality/value

By explaining innovative measures at the three level of analysis, this papers adds to the existing literature in understanding the behavior of South Asian security leadership and how these measures could best bring positive results in preventing a major crisis that potentially bears the risk of escalation to nuclear level.
Identifying critical enablers for homeownership in Hong Kong
Authors: Jayantha Wadu Mesthrige , Oladinrin Olugbenga Timo
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive assessment of the influential factors that must be considered in an effort to enhance homeownership.

Design/methodology/approach

A list of 14 factors identified through the literature were assessed through a questionnaire survey with 502 useful responses. The data collected were analysed using mean item score (MIS), exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

MIS analysis revealed “prioritizing lending towards first-time buyers”, “reforming planning process to allow building of more homes” and “introducing subsidies for all first-time buyers” as the most influential factors affecting homeownership. Using EFA, 3 key factors were generated from the 14 factors: subsidies and policy reforms; fiscal measures; and monetary measures. The SEM results show that all three factors have a significant positive effect on homeownership at different levels.

Originality/value

This paper empirically examines the enabling factors for homeownership in Hong Kong, revealing a clear effect of various group factors on homeownership. The paper proposes practical and policy recommendations to improve homeownership rate.
Retention of medical doctors and nurses in rural areas of Odisha state, India – a policy analysis
Authors: Behera Manas Ranjan , Prutipinyo Chardsumon , Sirichotiratana Nithat , Viwatwongkasem Chukiat
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Retention of medical doctors and nurses in remote and rural areas is a key issue in India. The purpose of this paper is to assess the relevant policies and provisions with respect to health care professionals, aiming to develop feasible retention strategies in rural areas of Odisha state of India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed documentary review and key informant interviews with policy elites (health planners, policy maker, researchers, etc.). The document review included published and unpublished reports, policy notifications and articles on human resources for health (HRH) in Odisha and similar settings. Throughout the study, the authors adapted World Health Organization’s framework to study policies relevant to HRH retention in rural areas. The adapted framework comprised of the four policy domains, education, regulation, financial incentives, professional and personal support, and 16 recommendations.

Findings

In Odisha, the district quota system for admission is not practiced; however, students from special tribal and caste (Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste) communities, Socially and Educationally Backward Classes of citizens, and Persons with Disabilities have some allocated quota to study medicine and nursing. Medical education has a provision of community placement in rural hospitals. In government jobs, the newly recruited medical doctors serve a minimum of three years in rural areas. Doctors are given with location-based incentives to work in remote and difficult areas. The government has career development, deployment, and promotion avenues for doctors and nurses; however, these provisions are not implemented effectively.

Originality/value

The government could address the rural retention problems, as illustrated in the study and put in place the most effective policies and provisions toward recruitment, deployment and attraction of HRH in remote and rural areas. At the same time, implementation HRH strategies and activities must be rigorously monitored and evaluated effectively.
Self-reported Non-Specific Neck Pain (NSNP) is associated with presenteeism and biopsychosocial factors among office workers
Authors: Frutiger Martin , Taylor Tamasin , Borotkanics Robert James
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between self-reported non-specific neck pain (NSNP) with presenteeism and biopsychosocial factors in office workers.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was conducted on office workers (n=119) from four workplaces in Sydney, Australia. Data were collected using online questionnaires comprising the Neck Pain and Disability Scale, Neck Bournemouth Index and Stanford Presenteeism Scale 6. Psychosocial factors were explored given their etiological and maintenance roles in musculoskeletal disorders. A combination of linear, generalised linear and ordinal regression models were applied.

Findings

The study found that presenteeism was significantly associated with NSNP. Psychosocial factors such as concentration, emotional stress, anxiety, depression and outlook were found to be associated with increased NSNP.

Research limitations/implications

This research has implications as it expands understanding of the interplay between presenteeism and NSNP and psychosocial factors in the workplace.

Originality/value

The study identified the importance of organisations being able to identify when an office worker may be working while experiencing NSNP and how they may best support their employee’s recovery to prevent long-term disability and work productivity issues. These findings inform workplace policy formation by public health agencies.
Predicting engagement and performance through firm’s internal factors
Authors: Ali Zulqurnain , Sabir Sadia , Mehreen Aqsa
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the firm’s internal factors influence employee engagement (EE), which, in turn, enhances the performance of textile employees. Furthermore, the present study pursues to address the indirect effect of EE on the relationship between the firm’s internal factors and employee performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were taken from 355 participants working in textile mills through a survey approach. Structural equation modeling was run to confirm the proposed model and structural relationships.

Findings

Results highlight that internal communication and reward and recognition are significantly related to EE, except for work‒life balance. Furthermore, EE has a significant effect on the performance of textile employees.

Practical implications

The present study helps the textile managers to improve employee performance while focusing on the firm’s internal factors of engagement. Proactive internal communication and reward system will help to bring a competitive edge and achieve the organizational goals. The findings also provide managers the information to reduce the organization interruptions in enhancing EE and performance.

Originality/value

This study covered the hidden gap in the previous literature on EE and performance, especially in the field of the textile sector by employing Kahn’s theory of engagement.
Leadership behaviors during lean healthcare implementation: a review and longitudinal study
Authors: Tortorella Guilherme , van Dun Desirée H. , de Almeida Amanda Gundes
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine leadership behaviors associated with lean healthcare (LH) implementation and how they develop throughout the change process.

Design/methodology/approach

After a systematic literature review of 107 peer-reviewed articles on lean leaders’ behaviors, the authors undertook a one-year mixed-methods study of 12 leaders within a Brazilian public hospital undergoing LH implementation. Multivariate data analysis techniques were employed.

Findings

The literature review showed some convergence between effective lean leader behaviors in both manufacturing and healthcare work settings, implying that lean leaders’ behaviors are generalizable to other contexts than manufacturing. The empirical findings suggest that LH implementation needs leaders to demonstrate a set of task-oriented behaviors, especially if short-term results are mandatory. More mature lean leaders should also continue developing their relations-oriented behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

While the contingency theory assumes that contexts influence (lean) practices adoption, leadership behaviors may not be bound to the work context. The finding resembles the augmentation effect of leadership whereby more mature lean leaders adopt both task- and relations-oriented behaviors.

Originality/value

Longitudinal studies in this field are scarce, regardless of the industrial setting. Many manufacturing and healthcare organizations crave for knowledge about lean leader behaviors throughout the lean implementation journey in order to enhance the effectiveness of their often-struggling lean initiatives. The insights derived from this study could help organizations to adjust their expectations as well as identify behavioral gaps and needs in terms of soft skills development among their leaders.
Knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship: a systematic review and future directions
Authors: Sousa Caio , Silva Luciana Soares
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aims to propose a framework based on the main theoretical and empirical contributions present in the literature and articulate the main paths for future studies in knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship (KIE).

Design/methodology/approach

Using the systematic review method from a survey of 85 articles,related to the KIE focal issue, originated from the Web of Science, it was possible to exhaustively analyze the studies and to divide the theme into key categories.

Findings

The present research has raised the relationship of five categories to KIE conceptualizations; the data suggest that although the literature indicates a distancing from KIE research, there are multidisciplinary themes and approaches interlinked in the studies.

Originality/value

The systematic approach in the main theoretical and empirical contributions in KIE enabled us to relate five categories (entrepreneurs, innovation, internationalization, location and triple alliance), and finally, to understand the gaps suggested by the researchers.
Re‐calibrating HRM to improve the work experiences for workers with intellectual disability
Authors: Bartram Timothy , Cavanagh Jillian , Meacham Hannah , Pariona‐Cabrera Patricia
Published: June 2019

This study examines the impact of human resource management (HRM) on workers with intellectual disability (WWID) across various industries in Australia. The research aims to identify HRM strategies for WWID by drawing on Thomas and Ely's (1996) managing diversity framework. A critical methodological case study approach was triangulated through participant interviews, focus groups and observations. The research identified three main factors that organisations must practice ensuring effective management of WWID; first, promoting workers’ well‐being through specific HRM wellbeing practices; second, valuing difference among all employees; and third, developing purposeful intervention strategies to support the inclusion of WID. The ways in which WWID are integrated into the workplace are important in ensuring workers’ well‐being and maximising their individual performance. We extend Thomas and Ely's (1996) learning and effectiveness paradigm to include ‘plural voices in diversity management’ at each stage of the paradigm and propose a re‐calibrated model of HRM for WWID.