bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-step interphase microtubule disassembly aids spindle morphogenesis
Authors: Mchedlishvili Nunu , Matthews Helen K. , Corrigan Adam , Baum Buzz
Published: May 2017

Entry into mitosis triggers profound changes in cell shape and cytoskeletal organisation. Here, by studying microtubule remodelling in human flat mitotic cells, we identify a two-step process of interphase microtubule disassembly. First, a microtubule stabilizing protein, Ensconsin, is inactivated in prophase as a consequence of its phosphorylation downstream of Cdk1/CyclinB. This leads to a reduction in interphase microtubule stability that may help to fuel the growth of centrosomally-nucleated microtubules. The peripheral interphase microtubules that remain are then rapidly lost as the concentration of tubulin heterodimers falls following dissolution of the nuclear compartment boundary. Finally, we show that a failure to destabilize microtubules in prophase leads to the formation of microtubule clumps, which interfere with spindle assembly. Overall, this analysis highlights the importance of the stepwise remodelling of the microtubule cytoskeleton, and the significance of permeabilization of the nuclear envelope in coordinating the changes in cellular organisation and biochemistry that accompany mitotic entry.
Optimal number of spacers in CRISPR arrays
Authors: Martynov Alexander , Severinov Konstantin , Ispolatov Yaroslav
Published: May 2017

We estimate the number of spacers in a CRISPR array of a bacterium which maximizes its protection against a viral attack. The optimality follows from a competition between two trends: too few distinct spacers make the bacteria vulnerable to an attack by a virus with mutated corresponding protospacers, while an excessive variety of spacers dilutes the number of the CRISPR complexes armed with the most recent and thus most effective spacers. We first evaluate the optimal number of spacers in a simple scenario of an infection by a single viral species and later consider a more general case of multiple viral species. We find that depending on such parameters as the concentration of CRISPR-CAS interference complexes and its preference to arm with more recently acquired spacers, the rate of viral mutation, and the number of viral species, the predicted optimal array length lies within a range quite reasonable from the viewpoint of recent experiments.

Author summary

CRISPR-Cas system is an adaptive immunity defense in bacteria and archaea against viruses. It works by accumulating in bacterial genome an array of spacers, or fragments of virus DNA from previous attacks. By matching spacers to corresponding parts of virus DNA called protospacers, CRISPR-Cas system identifies and destroys intruder DNA. Here we theoretically estimate the number of spacers that maximizes bacterial survival. This optimum emerges from a competition between two trends: More spacers allow a bacterium to hedge against mutations in viral protospacers. However, keeping too many spacers makes the older ones inefficient because of accumulation of mutations in corresponding protospacers in viruses. Thus, fewer CRISPR-Cas molecular machines are left armed with more efficient young spacers. We have shown that a higher efficiency of CRISPR-Cas system allows a bacterium to utilize more spacers, increasing the optimal array length. On contrary, a higher viral mutation rate makes older spacers useless and favors shorter arrays. A higher diversity in viral species reduces the efficiency of CRISPR-Cas but does not necessary lead to longer arrays. We think that our study provides a new viewpoint at a huge variety in the observed array lengths and adds relevance to evolutionary models of bacterial-phage coexistence.
The brain as an efficient and robust adaptive learner
Authors: Denève Sophie , Alemi Alireza , Bourdoukan Ralph
Published: May 2017

Understanding how the brain learns to compute functions reliably, efficiently and robustly with noisy spiking activity is a fundamental challenge in neuroscience. Most sensory and motor tasks can be described as dynamical systems and could presumably be learned by adjusting connection weights in a recurrent biological neural network. However, this is greatly complicated by the credit assignment problem for learning in recurrent networks, e.g. the contribution of each connection to the global output error cannot be determined based only on locally accessible quantities to the synapse. Combining tools from adaptive control theory and efficient coding theories, we propose that neural circuits can indeed learn complex dynamic tasks with local synaptic plasticity rules as long as they associate two experimentally established neural mechanisms. First, they should receive top-down feedbacks driving both their activity and their synaptic plasticity. Second, inhibitory interneurons should maintain a tight balance between excitation and inhibition in the circuit. The resulting networks could learn arbitrary dynamical systems and produce irregular spike trains as variable as those observed experimentally. Yet, this variability in single neurons may hide an extremely efficient and robust computation at the population level.
Classes and continua of hippocampal CA1 inhibitory neurons revealed by single-cell transcriptomics
Authors: Harris Kenneth D. , Hochgerner Hannah , Skene Nathan G. , Magno Lorenza , Katona Linda , Gonzales Carolina Bengtsson , Somogyi Peter , Kessaris Nicoletta , Linnarsson Sten , Hjerling-Leffler Jens
Published: May 2017

Understanding any brain circuit will require a categorization of its constituent neurons. In hippocampal area CA1, at least 23 classes of GABAergic neuron have been proposed to date. However, this list may be incomplete; additionally, it is unclear whether discrete classes are sufficient to describe the diversity of cortical inhibitory neurons, or whether continuous modes of variability are also required. We studied the transcriptomes of 3663 CA1 inhibitory cells, revealing 10 major GABAergic groups that divided into 49 fine-scale clusters. All previously described and several novel cell classes were identified, with three previously-described classes unexpectedly found to be identical. A division into discrete classes however was not sufficient to describe the diversity of these cells, as continuous variation also occurred between and within classes. Latent factor analysis revealed that a single continuous variable could predict the expression levels of several genes, which correlated similarly with it across multiple cell types. Analysis of the genes correlating with this variable suggested it reflects a range from metabolically highly active faster-spiking cells that proximally target pyramidal cells, to slower-spiking cells targeting distal dendrites or interneurons. These results elucidate the complexity of inhibitory neurons in one of the simplest cortical structures, and show that characterizing these cells requires continuous modes of variation as well as discrete cell classes.
Influence of non-metabolic microbial growth promotors (cAMP – activators) on the sensitivity to antimicrobials in the actually multiresistant microbial strains
Authors: Martynov Artur , Osolodchenko Tatyana , Farber Boris , Farber Sophya
Published: May 2017

Introduction

The control over multi-resistant nosocomial strains of microorganisms has been becoming increasingly urgent in recent years. We suggest a new paradigm that eliminates killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Excluding bacteria death supresses the selection of resistant strains of microorganisms. We have developed such non-metabolite growth promoters, which in very low doses stimulate the rapid growth of many bacteria strains. The mechanism of action of the enhancers is caused by the activation of the cAMP high doses accumulation process in the microbial cells. cAMP itself is a substrate for phosphorylation including DNA polymerases.

Materials and methods

The susceptible culture collection resistance strainsPseudomonas aeruginosa MDR Kharkov IMI1, Acinetobacter baumanii MDR Kharkov-IMI1, andClebsiella pneumonia MDR Kharkov-IMI1were used. The following antimicrobial agents of known potency were evaluated: ciprofloxacin, polymyxin, amikacin. The same broth, but containing 0.001% enhancers (under patenting), has been used for further passaging for MDR strains. Characteristics of bacterial growth were determined in a medium compared at the control group – the broth without enhancers.

Results and discussion

Enhancers contribute to a significant increase in the antimicrobial sensitivity to polymyxin, ciprofloxacin and amikacin in multi-resistant strains of bacteria. Changes in the growth characteristics and antimicrobial sensitivity are observed only in the second passage that demonstrates the need for the further studies of the molecular mechanisms of the cAMP effect on the division and growth of microbial cells.
Parasite-driven replacement of a sexual by a closely related asexual taxon in nature
Authors: Lohr Jennifer N. , Haag Christoph R.
Published: May 2017

Asexual species are thought to suffer more from coevolving parasites than related sexuals. Yet, this prediction may be modulated by the fact that closely related sexuals and asexuals often differ in respects other than reproductive mode. Here, we follow the frequency dynamics of sexual and asexualDaphnia pulexin a natural pond that was initially dominated by sexuals. However, coinciding with an epidemic of a microsporidian parasite infecting both sexuals and asexuals, the pond was rapidly taken over by the initially rare asexuals. We experimentally confirm that asexuals are less susceptible and also suffer less from the parasite once infected. These results show the ecological replacement of a sexual taxon by a closely related asexual taxon, as driven by parasites. We suggest that this replacement is, however, not directly connected with the reproductive mode, but rather due to the recent introduction and invasive nature of the asexuals studied.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as an Endogenous Alcoholic Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Medeiros IC. , Lima JG.
Published: May 2017

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a growing worldwide public health problem that affects millions of women in their reproductive age. Despite being a very common disorder among women, there are still gaps regarding knowledge of disease mechanisms. In this respect, it was recently reported that acetaldehyde (ACD) is endogenously formed during normal ovarian steroidogenesis. The researchers demonstrated that in physiological concentrations ACD caused no detrimental effect on ovarian tissue. Contrariwise, in supraphysiological levels, ACD impairs granulosa cell differentiation, reduces ovulation, and decreases oocyte quality. Gut microbiota of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) produces significant quantities of endogenous ethanol (EE) and ACD. Because PCOS is closely linked to NAFLD, an ethanol-producing disorder, we hypothesize that it can be an endogenous alcoholic polycystic ovary syndrome (EAPCOS). The main findings of this study were that (i) the odds ratio of having polycystic ovaries is 30-fold greater in alcohol-exposed women than among unexposed controls; (ii) NAFLD/PCOS patients produce gonadotoxic quantities of EE; (iii) NAFLD/PCOS and alcoholic hepatitis individuals share similar liver expression levels of genes regulating high-km ethanol-metabolizing enzymes; (iv) NAFLD/PCOS and alcohol-tolerant drinkers share similar high-capacity to metabolize ethanol in the gut-liver axis; and (v) low blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in NAFLD/PCOS and alcohol-tolerant individuals stem from extensive alcohol degradation in gut-liver axis and significant fecal loss of ethanol. In summary, we provide mechanistic insights supporting the hypothesis that PCOS can be indeed an EAPCOS.
Bayesian Inference Of Phylogenetic Networks From Bi-allelic Genetic Markers
Authors: Zhu Jiafan , Wen Dingqiao , Yu Yun , Meudt Heidi M. , Nakhleh Luay
Published: May 2017

Phylogenetic networks are rooted, directed, acyclic graphs that model reticulate evolutionary histories. Recently, statistical methods were devised for inferring such networks from either gene tree estimates or the sequence alignments of multiple unlinked loci. Bi-allelic markers, most notably single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), provide a powerful source of genome-wide data. In a recent paper, a method called SNAPP was introduced for statistical inference of species trees from unlinked bi-allelic markers. The generative process assumed by the method combined both a model of evolution for the bi-allelic markers, as well as the multispecies coalescent. A novel component of the method was a polynomial-time algorithm for exact computation of the likelihood of a fixed species tree via integration over all possible gene trees for a given marker. Here we report on a method for Bayesian inference of phylogenetic networks from bi-allelic markers. Our method significantly extends the algorithm for exact computation of phylogenetic network likelihood via integration over all possible gene trees. Unlike the case of species trees, the algorithm is no longer polynomial-time on all instances of phylogenetic networks. Furthermore, the method utilizes a reversible-jump MCMC technique to sample the posterior of phylogenetic networks given bi-allelic marker data. Our method has a very good performance in terms of accuracy and robustness as we demonstrate on simulated data, as well as a data set of multiple New Zealand species of the plant genusOurisia(Plantaginaceae). We implemented the method in the publicly available, open-source PhyloNet software package.

Author summary

The availability of genomic data has revolutionized the study of evolutionary histories and phylogeny inference. Inferring evolutionary histories from genomic data requires, in most cases, accounting for the fact that different genomic regions could have evolutionary histories that differ from each other as well as from that of the species from which the genomes were sampled. In this paper, we introduce a method for inferring evolutionary histories while accounting for two processes that could give rise to such differences across the genomes, namely incomplete lineage sorting and hybridization. We introduce a novel algorithm for computing the likelihood of phylogenetic networks from bi-allelic genetic markers and use it in a Bayesian inference method. Analyses of synthetic and empirical data sets show a very good performance of the method in terms of the estimates it obtains.
Altered neocortical gene expression, brain overgrowth and functional over-connectivity inChd8haploinsufficient mice
Authors: Suetterlin Philipp , Hurley Shaun , Mohan Conor , Riegman Kimberley L. H. , Pagani Marco , Caruso Angela , Ellegood Jacob , Galbusera Alberto , Crespo-Enriquez Ivan , Michetti Caterina , Yee Yohan , Ellingford Robert , Brock Olivier , Delogu Alessio , Francis-West Philippa , Lerch Jason P. , Scattoni Maria Luisa , Gozzi Alessandro , Fernandes Cathy , Basson M. Albert
Published: May 2017

TruncatingCHD8mutations are amongst the highest confidence risk factors for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) identified to date. Here, we report thatChd8heterozygous mice display increased brain size, motor delay, hypertelorism, pronounced hypoactivity and anomalous responses to social stimuli. Whereas gene expression in the neocortex is only mildly affected at mid-gestation, over 600 genes are differentially expressed in the early postnatal neocortex. Genes involved in cell adhesion and axon guidance are particularly prominent amongst the down-regulated transcripts. Resting-state functional MRI identified increased synchronised activity in cortico-hippocampal and auditory-parietal networks inChd8heterozygous mutant mice, implicating altered connectivity as a potential mechanism underlying the behavioural phenotypes. Together, these data suggest that altered brain growth and diminished expression of important neurodevelopmental genes that regulate long-range brain wiring are followed by distinctive anomalies in functional brain connectivity inChd8+/-mice. Human imaging studies have reported altered functional connectivity in ASD patients, with long-range under-connectivity seemingly more frequent. Our data suggest thatCHD8haploinsufficiency represents a specific subtype of ASD where neuropsychiatric symptoms are underpinned by long-range over-connectivity.
Evolutionary Isolation and Phylogenetic Diversity Loss Under Random Extinction Events
Authors: Steel Mike , Pourfaraj Vahab , Chaudhary Abhishek , Mooers Arne
Published: May 2017

The extinction of species at the present leads to the loss of ‘phylogenetic diversity’ (PD) from the evolutionary tree in which these species lie. Prior to extinction, the total PD present can be divided up among the species in various ways using measures of evolutionary isolation (such as ‘fair proportion’ and ‘equal splits’). However, the loss of PD when certain combinations of species become extinct can be either larger or smaller than the cumulative loss of the isolation values associated with the extinct species. In this paper, we show that for trees generated under neutral evolutionary models, the loss of PD under a null model of random extinction at the present can be predicted from the loss of the cumulative isolation values, by applying a non-linear transformation that is independent of the tree. Moreover, the error in the prediction provably converges to zero as the size of the tree grows, with simulations showing good agreement even for moderate sized trees (n= 64).
Transcription factors recognize DNA shape without nucleotide recognition
Authors: Samee Md. Abul Hassan , Bruneau Benoit G. , Pollard Katherine S.
Published: May 2017

We hypothesized that transcription factors (TFs) recognize DNA shape without nucleotide sequence recognition. Motivating an independent role for shape, many TF binding sites lack a sequence-motif, DNA shape adds specificity to sequence-motifs, and different sequences can encode similar shapes. We therefore asked if binding sites of a TF are enriched for specific patterns of DNA shape-features,e.g.,helical twist. We developed ShapeMF, which discovers these shape-motifsde novowithout taking sequence information into account. We find that most TFs assayed in ENCODE have shape-motifs and bind regulatory regions recognizing shape-motifs in the absence of sequence-motifs. When shape- and sequence-recognition co-occur, the two types of motifs can be overlapping, flanking, or separated by consistent spacing. Shape-motifs are prevalent in regions co-bound by multiple TFs. Finally, TFs with identical sequence motifs have different shape-motifs, explaining their binding at distinct locations. These results establish shape-motifs as drivers of TF-DNA recognition complementary to sequence-motifs.
Serial electron crystallography: merging diffraction data through rank aggregation
Authors: Smeets Stef , Wan Wei
Published: May 2017

Serial electron crystallography is being developed as an alternative way to collect diffraction data on beam-sensitive polycrystalline materials. Merging serial diffraction data from a large number of snapshots is difficult, and the dynamical nature of electron diffraction prevents the use of existing methods that rely on precise measurement of kinematical reflection intensities. To overcome this problem, an alternative method that uses rank aggregation to combine the rankings of relative reflection intensities from a large number of snapshots has been developed. The method does not attempt to accurately model the diffraction intensity, but instead optimizes the most likely ranking of reflections. As a consequence, the problem of scaling individual snapshots is avoided entirely, and requirements for the data quality and precision are low. The method works best when reflections can be fully measured, but the benefit over measuring partial intensities is small. Since there were no experimental data available for testing rank-based merging, the validity of the approach was assessed through a series of simulated serial electron diffraction datasets with different numbers of frames and varying degrees of errors. Several programs have been used to show that these rank-merged simulated data are good enough for ab initio structure determination using several direct methods programs.
Intercalated water in multi-layered graphene oxide paper: an X-ray scattering study
Authors: Rouzière Stéphan , Núñez J. David , Paineau Erwan , Benito Ana M. , Maser Wolfgang K. , Launois Pascale
Published: May 2017

X-ray scattering (XRS) experiments have been performed on multi-layered graphene oxide (GO) paper. GO can be easily hydrated as water naturally intercalates in the hydrophilic nanostructure. The effect of the intercalated water on the XRS signals is measured during dehydration under thermal treatment in the temperature range 298–473 K as well as during hydration under saturated water vapour pressure. A simple modelling of the XRS signals by taking into account the presence and the type of intercalated water (bound water or physisorbed water) is introduced. It allows an explanation of the variations of intensity and position of XRS reflections observed experimentally.
Sizing implications of a regional aircraft for inner-city operations
Authors: Heinemann Philipp , Schmidt Michael , Will Felix , Kaiser Sascha , Jeßberger Christoph , Hornung Mirko
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to assess the potential of aircraft operation from city centres to achieve shortened travel times and the involved aircraft design process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the methodical approach and iterative procedure of the design process. An assessment of potential technologies is conducted to provide the required enhancements to fulfil the constraints following an inner-city operation. Operational procedures were analysed to reduce the noise propagation through flight path optimization. Furthermore, a ground-based assisted take-off system was conceived to lower required take-off field length and to prevent engine sizing just for the take-off case. Cabin design optimization for a fast turnaround has been conducted to ensure a wide utilization spectrum. The results prove the feasibility of an aircraft developed for inner city operation.

Findings

A detailed concept for a 60-passenger single aisle aircraft is proposed for an Entry-Into-Service year 2040 with a design range of 1,500 nautical miles for a load factor of 90 per cent. Although the design for Short Take-off and Landing and low noise operation had to be traded partly with cruise efficiency, a noteworthy reduction in fuel burn per passenger and nautical mile could be achieved against current aircraft.

Practical implications

The findings will contribute to the evaluation of the feasibility and impact of the Flightpath 2050 goal of a 4-h door-to-door by providing a feasible but ambitious example. Furthermore, it highlights possible bottlenecks and problems faced when realizing this goal.

Originality/value

The paper draws its value from the consideration of the overall sizing effects at aircraft level and from a holistic view on an inner-city airport/aircraft concept design for a 4-h door-to-door goal.
Practical problems of numerical optimization in aerospace sciences
Authors: Mieloszyk Jacek
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to apply numerical optimization to the aircraft design procedures applied in the airspace industry.

Design/methodology/approach

It is harder than ever to achieve competitive construction. This is why numerical optimization is becoming a standard tool during the design process. Although optimization procedures are becoming more mature, yet in the industry practice, fairly simple examples of optimization are present. The more complicated is the task to solve, the harder it is to implement automated optimization procedures. This paper presents practical examples of optimization in aerospace sciences. The methodology is discussed in the article in great detail.

Findings

Encountered problems related to the numerical optimization are presented. Different approaches to the solutions of the problems are shown, which have impact on the time of optimization computations and quality of the obtained optimum. Achieved results are discussed in detail with relation to the used settings.

Practical implications

Investigated different aspects of handling optimization problems, improving quality of the obtained optimum or speeding-up optimization by parallel computations can be directly applied in the industry optimization practice. Lessons learned from multidisciplinary optimization can bring industry products to higher level of performance and quality, i.e. more advanced, competitive and efficient aircraft design procedures, which could be applied in the industry practice. This can lead to the new approach of aircraft design process.

Originality/value

Introduction of numerical optimization methods in aircraft design process. Showing how to solve numerical optimization problems related to advanced cases of conceptual and preliminary aircraft design.
Morphing wing with skin discontinuity – kinematic concept
Authors: Tarnowski Andrzej
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the concept of morphing tailless aircraft with discontinuous skin and its preliminary kinematic solution. Project assumptions, next steps and expected results are briefly presented.

Design/methodology/approach

Multidisciplinary numerical optimization will be used to determine control allocation for wing segments rotation. Wing demonstrator will be fabricated and tested in wind tunnel. Results will be used in construction of flying model and design of its control system. Flight data of morphing demonstrator and reference aircraft will result in comparative analysis of both technologies.

Findings

Proposed design combines advantages of wing morphing without complications of wing’s structure elastic deformation. Better performance, stability and maneuverability is expected due to wing’s construction which is entirely composed of unconnected wing segments. Independent control of each segment allows for free modeling of spanwise lift force distribution.

Originality/value

Nonlinear multipoint distribution of wing twist as the only mechanism for control and flight performance optimization has never been studied or constructed. Planned wind tunnel investigation of such complex aerodynamic structure has not been previously published and will be an original contribution to the development of aviation and in particular to the aerodynamics of wing with discontinuous skin.
Cross-flow effects regarding laminar flow control within conceptual aircraft design
Authors: Schueltke Florian , Stumpf Eike
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Laminarization of commercial aircraft surfaces is the most promising technology to reduce fuel consumption and ecological impact. As laminar flow highly depends on cross-flow effects, there is the question in which way simple estimations and simplifications for application in conceptual aircraft design can be used to capture these cross-flow influences. This paper aims to show the accuracy of 2D methods for estimating laminar flow regions on 3D wing objects.

Design/methodology/approach

Several methods, relating 3D and 2D flow conditions, are analyzed with regard to capture cross-flow influences. The 3D pressure distributions depending on utilized transformation method are compared to Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) solutions. With the most precise transformation method, the laminar flow area on a conventional wing of a short range aircraft is determined and compared to the laminar area obtained with the RANS pressure distributions as input. Further, hybrid laminar flow control component sizing is carried out to obtain the net benefit in fuel reduction of simplified method compared to RANS method for a conventional short range aircraft.

Findings

In this particular case, the solutions calculated with the simplified methods show high deviations from those obtained with RANS.

Originality/value

This investigation underlines the need of proper methods for fast and accurate estimation of cross-flow effects to be able to assess the full potential of laminar flow control within conceptual aircraft design.
Beyond the causes
Authors: Asiedu Richard Ohene , Adaku Ebenezer , Owusu-Manu De-Graft
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to contend that the circle of investigation into overruns cannot be complete unless the established critical failure factors are matched against their respective mitigating measures to avert the overruns. Extant literature is replete with factors that engender cost and time overruns within the design and construction phase. The constraint is the lack of a scientific approach in establishing a tackling mechanism to address the root causes and stakeholder responsibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on nine unique grand factors previously established and reported in literature about the Ghanaian Construction Industry. A focus group discussion convened through a purposive sampling technique led to the establishment of a list of mitigating measures and strategies.

Findings

The paper established a checklist of 114 mitigating measures categorised into preventive, predictive and corrective approaches. Additionally, several short to medium term key strategies have been recommended to avert the occurrence of cost and time overruns.

Originality/value

The mitigating measures can be adopted as a checklist of good practice to help practitioners enhance the effectiveness of project budget and schedule control. It is also supposed to serve as a guide to practitioners in averting overruns through predictive, preventive and/or corrective causes. A unique approach in averting the occurrence of cost and time overruns.
KPIs for measuring performance of production systems for residential building
Authors: Jonsson Henric , Rudberg Martin
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring performance of production systems for residential building from a production strategy perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review is done to identify suitable competitive priorities and to provide grounds for developing KPIs to measure them. The KPIs are evaluated and validated through interviews with industry experts from five case companies producing multifamily residences. Furthermore, two of the case companies are used to illustrate how the KPIs can be employed for analysing different production systems from a manufacturing strategy perspective.

Findings

Defined, and empirically validated, KPIs for measuring the competitive priorities quality, cost (level and dependability), delivery (speed and dependability) and flexibility (volume and mix) of different production systems.

Research limitations/implications

To further validate the KPIs, more empirical tests need to be done and further research also needs to address mix flexibility, which better needs to account for product range to provide a trustworthy KPI.

Practical implications

The defined KPIs can be used to evaluate and monitor the performance of different production systems’ ability to meet market demands, hence focusing on the link between the market and the firm’s production function. The KPIs can also be used to track a production systems’ ability to perform over time.

Originality/value

Most research that evaluate and compare production systems for residential building is based on qualitative estimations of manufacturing outputs. There is a lack of quantitative KPIs to measure performance at a strategic level. This research does this, identifying what to measure, but also how to measure four competitive priorities through 14 defined KPIs.
University transformation
Authors: Block Madeleine , Khvatova Tatiana
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Higher education (HE) institutions worldwide are experiencing fundamental changes, moving from the traditional Humboldt-type model towards an entrepreneurial model. In the context of these global trends, the Russian university landscape is being prepared to undertake a great transformation towards international standards in HE. The Russian State is currently funding a large-scale reform package for universities. The purpose of this paper is to examine trends and institutional reforms in the Russian HE system including the perspectives of universities, governments and business.

Design/methodology/approach

Currently, much attention is focussed on increasing the global competitiveness of Russian universities by making Russia’s HE system more integrated in international activities. The Programme “5-100-2020” launched in 2013 provides funds from the federal budget in order to push selected universities to increase their international rankings. A central aspect of the analysis is the policymaking process based on Kingdon’s theory of agenda setting. Furthermore, it is necessary to explore how the reforms of HE are implemented in practice, presented with the help of a single representative case study demonstrating how the Programme “5-100-2020” is implemented in a large Russian polytechnic university.

Findings

The present research shows the ways in which international trends influence educational and research environments in Russia, which provides a better understanding of the evolution of the university landscape in the light of growing marketisation, identifies important policy issues associated with becoming top international universities. The study of the timeline of reforms and reconstruction of the Russian HE system revealed an ambivalent picture which presents contradictions.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected within one organisation only. This is a single representative case study. This means generalisation is only possible for similar organisations.

Practical implications

The study allows university managers to be more aware of the challenges and opportunities which arise with such organisational change.

Social implications

The paper draws attention to HE system reforms in Russia. University is a very important organisation for society with numerous stakeholders. The findings of the study are important for better understanding what is happening in education now.

Originality/value

The research adds value to policymaking process in the field of HE, and gives example of transformation process in Russian universities.
New applications for importance-performance analysis (IPA) in higher education
Authors: McLeay Fraser , Robson Andrew , Yusoff Mazirah
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The constantly evolving higher education (HE) sector is creating a need for new business models and tools for evaluating performance. In this paper, an overview of the importance-performance analysis (IPA) model and its applicability as a management tool for assessing student satisfaction in the HE sector is provided. The purpose of this paper is to apply IPA in a new and novel manner, undertaking analysis at three levels; the individual student, for individual attributes and at a construct or factor level which combines individual attributes that are correlated. A practical application is illustrated, assessing the gap between the importance placed on specific student satisfaction attributes and corresponding levels of student-perceived performance realised.

Design/methodology/approach

The “service product bundle” (Douglas et al., 2006) is refined based on focus group evaluation. Survey responses from 823 students studying across four Malaysian private universities are analysed using factor analysis and the IPA model utilised to identify importance-performance gaps and explore the implication of the iso-rating line as well as alternative cut-off zones.

Findings

Factor reduction of 33 original measurement items results in eight definable areas of service provision, which provides a refined and extended management tool of statistically reliable and valid constructs.

Research limitations/implications

The research is undertaken in a private business school context in Malaysia. Further research could focus on other universities or countries, as well as faculties such as computing and engineering or explore other elements of education-based performance.

Practical implications

The research method and study outcomes can support HE managers to allocate resources more effectively and develop strategies to improve quality and increase student satisfaction.

Originality/value

Distinct from other IPA-based studies, analysis is undertaken at three levels; the individual participant, for individual items and at the factor level.
A dual knowledge perspective on the determinants of SME patenting
Authors: Agostini Lara , Nosella Anna
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Considering that SMEs are widely recognized as important innovators and, in the past years, have registered increasing levels of patenting, the purpose of this paper is to unveil the impact of both internal and external knowledge sourcing on SME patenting performance and test the moderating role of formal plan for innovation and absorptive capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose an econometric approach based on a Hurdle Count Data Model which allows the authors not only to overcome problems related to the count dependent variables often assuming zero values, but also to separate patent propensity from patent portfolio size.

Findings

This methodology puts in evidence that an internal factor (i.e. employee skills for innovation) significantly influences SME patent propensity, while an external factor (i.e. open innovation with business partners) impacts SME portfolio size. Moreover, both formal plan for innovation and absorptive capacity play an important moderating role.

Originality/value

This paper embraces a knowledge perspective to investigate the determinants of SME patenting, which contributes to the knowledge-based view of the firm in the SME domain. Moreover, differently from most studies in the area of patenting which adopt a macro-level perspective and rely on secondary data, it assumes a firm-level approach and bases on primary data, which contributes to make it particularly distinctive.
Patenting motives, technology strategies, and open innovation
Authors: Holgersson Marcus , Granstrand Ove
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate firms’ motives to patent in general, and more specifically how some of these motives depend upon firms’ technology strategies and especially their level of open innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a questionnaire survey sent to chief technology officers (or equivalent) of the largest R&D spenders among Swedish large firms (e.g. ABB, AstraZeneca, Ericsson, and Volvo) and among Swedish small and medium-sized enterprises. Principal component analysis and multiple linear regressions were used to check the impact from open innovation upon the importance of 21 different motives to patent, with a specific focus on protection and bargaining related motives.

Findings

The most important motive to patent is to protect product technologies, but protecting freedom to operate is almost as important, followed by a number of other motives. Increasing importance of open innovation in firms is related to stronger bargaining motives to patent, and even stronger protection motives. In fact, when comparing with closed innovation, the results show that open innovation is more strongly positively related with all different motives to patent except for one (to attract customers). This indicates that firms find it more important to patent when engaged in open innovation than when engaged in closed innovation.

Originality/value

The paper reports results from the first study that links patenting motives to technology strategies. It contributes to an emerging stream of empirical studies investigating the role of patents in external technology strategies and open innovation, showing that the motives to patent are strengthened within open innovation settings.
Towards interoperable recordkeeping systems
Authors: Rolan Gregory
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce an infrastructural approach to metadata modelling and a generalised meta-model for recordkeeping metadata. This meta-model is an attempt to support interoperability between disparate systems, and particularly, between sets of ostensibly incommensurate record documentation.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation used a reflective design-science investigation comprising interviews adaptive literature review, creation of conceptual models and the design and instantiation of a proof-of-concept system.

Findings

The investigation confirms that recordkeeping interoperability between disparate ontologies is achievable through a meta-model approach. In particular, the meta-model carefully defines relationships between entities with specific semantics that enable the development of interoperable domain schemas.

Practical implications

A meta-model for recordkeeping metadata facilitates the development of recordkeeping systems that possess interoperability-by-design.

Social implications

Recordkeeping systems that conform to the meta-model can, therefore, transcend the immediate transactional context and support participatory recordkeeping in terms of a plurality of stakeholder world views and agency in records.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few reporting design-science approaches to recordkeeping informatics and one that has used a meta-model approach for recordkeeping metadata design. In contrast to most empirically determined metadata schemas, the top-down design approach has produced a schema from a wide variety of ontological sources.
The challenges presented to records management by open government data in the public sector in England
Authors: Chorley Katherine Mary
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges that open government data initiatives present to records management within the public sector in England and to identify areas of practice and policy that will need to be developed to ensure compliance with such environments.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of current literature underpins the analysis of data collected through an anonymised case study of a National Health Service (NHS) hospital trust. Data were collected through a qualitative research in the form of semi-structured interviews with information professionals at the case study site. Additionally, a short descriptive online survey was distributed to the members of a specialist interest group, the Health Archives and Records Group.

Findings

Open government data presents a series of interconnected practical challenges to records management at a local level as the open government data environment continues to develop. These practical challenges overshadow a number of technical challenges, such as ensuring the accuracy and integrity of proactively published data.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this research is the small number of interviews conducted during data collection, which limits its capacity to present more generalised findings.

Originality/value

The case study of an individual NHS hospital trust allows for a specific insight into the challenges that open government data presents to records management within a single operational unit.
Practice theory: a new approach for archival and recordkeeping research
Authors: Ivanov Asen Ognyanov
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a qualitative research approach based on current developments in the field of practice theory. The novelty of this approach is that it positions organizational practices as a central unit of analysis of archival and recordkeeping work. The goal of the paper is to highlight the continuity between practice theory and archival and recordkeeping scholarship and to then propose how practice theory could be used in archival and recordkeeping research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper traces the continuity between practice theory and two influential bodies of literature in archival and recordkeeping scholarship developed in the last two decades. It then outlines a practice theory research agenda for archival and recordkeeping research by drawing on the disciplines of cultural sociology, science and technology studies, ethnomethodology and organizational studies. The potential research application of practice theory is illustrated with examples from an on-going doctoral project on appraisal and preservation practices in a digital broadcasting archive.

Findings

The analysis of current literature shows an agreement that archival and recordkeeping practices exhibit a complexity that makes them important foci for further research. By placing these insights into contact with practice theory, the paper champions a new research agenda for archival and recordkeeping research.

Originality/value

The paper positions and outlines the tenets of practice theory, making them methodologically available to archival and recordkeeping scholars and practitioners. It also indicates how practice theory offers a new perspective for conceptualizing the causal effects of organizational culture on organizational practices.
Organizational learning of higher education institutions: the case of Estonia
Authors: Voolaid Karen , Ehrlich Üllas
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to measure the organizational learning in two of Estonia’s Higher Education Institutions (HEI) and identify connections between the organizational learning and various characteristics of HEI, such as ownership form and market participation rate.

Design/methodology/approach

Watkins and Marsick’s learning organization questionnaire, the Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ), as one of the most popular organizational learning measurement instruments, was taken to measure the organizational learning of HEIs. Employees from a total of two Estonian HEIs, which differ in several characteristics, completed the Watkins and Marsick’s questionnaire. To identify the dependence of organizational learning on two observed HEIs’ characteristics, the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis method was used. The analysis was performed at the DLOQ dimensions level.

Findings

The average organizational learning rate of the two universities under study was over average (3.72 on six-point Likert scale) which allows arguing that both observed institutions are learning organizations. The organizational learning rate based on samples of employees from two HEI-s depends on the institution`s market participation on the 90 per cent level in the first dimension, 95 per cent in the second dimension and 90 per cent in the sixth dimension. Correlation between the HEI ownership form and any of the DLOQ dimensions is weak.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on two universities. The sample size is insufficient; therefore, the results cannot be generalized to HEIs as a whole.

Originality/value

The relationship between higher education institutions’ organizational learning and higher education institutions’ characteristics has not been investigated before. The results of this paper allow a better focus on different aspects of organizational learning in HEIs’ development and relate to their specific development needs.