bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic determinants of lipids and cardiovascular disease outcomes: a wide-angled Mendelian randomization investigation
Authors: Allara Elias , Morani Gabriele , Carter Paul , Gkatzionis Apostolos , Zuber Verena , Foley Christopher N , Rees Jessica MB , Mason Amy M , Bell Steven , Gill Dipender , Butterworth Adam S , Angelantonio Emanuele Di , Peters James , Burgess Stephen
Published: June 2019

Aims

To systematically investigate causal relationships between circulating lipids and cardiovascular outcomes, using a Mendelian randomization approach.

Methods and Results

In the primary analysis, we performed two-sample multivariable Mendelian randomization using data from participants of European ancestry. We also conducted univariable analyses using inverse-variance weighted and robust methods, and gene-specific analyses using variants that can be considered as proxies for specific lipid-lowering medications. We obtained associations with lipid fractions from the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium, a meta-analysis of 188,577 participants, and genetic associations with cardiovascular outcomes from 367,703 participants in UK Biobank.

For LDL-cholesterol, in addition to the expected positive associations with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk (odds ratio per 1 standard deviation increase [OR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.35-1.57) and other atheromatous outcomes (ischemic cerebrovascular disease and peripheral vascular disease), we found independent associations of genetically-predicted LDL-cholesterol with abdominal aortic aneurysm (OR 1.75; 95%CI 1.40-2.17), and aortic valve stenosis (OR 1.46; 95%CI 1.25-1.70). Genetically-predicted triglyceride levels were positively associated with CAD (OR 1.25; 95%CI 1.12-1.40), aortic valve stenosis (OR 1.29; 95%CI 1.04-1.61), and hypertension (OR 1.17; 95%CI 1.07-1.27), but inversely associated with venous thromboembolism (OR 0.79; 95%CI 0.67-0.93). The positive associations of genetically-predicted LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides with heart failure and aortic stenosis appeared to be mediated by CAD.

Conclusion

Lowering LDL-cholesterol is likely to prevent abdominal aortic aneurysm and aortic stenosis, in addition to CAD and other atheromatous cardiovascular outcomes. Lowering triglycerides is likely to prevent CAD and aortic valve stenosis, but may increase risk of thromboembolism.
Characterization of Streptococcus pneumoniae phage-like element SpnCI reveals an enhanced virulent phenotype in the acute invertebrate infection model Galleria mellonella
Authors: McCullor Kimberly , Rahman Maliha , King Catherine , McShan W. Michael
Published: June 2019

Phage-like elements are found in a multitude of streptococcal species, including pneumococcal strain Hungary19A-6 (SpnCI). The aim of our research was to investigate the role of phage-like element SpnCI in enhanced virulence and phenotypic modulation within Streptococcus pneumoniae. SpnCI was found to significantly enhance virulence within the invertebrate infection model Galleria mellonella. Infections with SpnCI led to a lower mean health score (1.6) and survival percentage (20%) compared to SpnCI null TIGR4 infections (3.85 mean health score and 50% survival). SpnCI remained integrated throughout growth, conferring greater sensitivity to UV irradiation. Change in transcriptional patterns occurred, including downregulation of operons involved with cell surface modelling in the SpnCI containing strain of TIGR4. Kanamycin-tagged SpnCI strain in Hungary19A-6 was inducible and isolated from lysate along with both annotated prophages. No phages were identified by PCR nor electron microscopy (EM) following induction of TIGR4 SpnCIΔstrA suggesting helper-phage dependence for dissemination. EM of lysate showed typical siphoviridae morphology with an average capsid size of 60 nm. Two of sixty capsids were found to be smaller, suggesting SpnCI disseminates using a similar mechanism described for Staphylococcus aureus phage-like element SaPI. SpnCI from lysate infected capsule null strain T4R but was incapable of infecting the encapsulated TIGR4 strain suggesting that capsule impedes phage infection. Our work demonstrates that SpnCI can modulate virulence, UV susceptibility, alter transcriptional patterns, and furthermore, can disseminate via infection within pneumococcus. Further research is necessary to elucidate how SpnCI modulates virulence and what genes are responsible for the enhanced virulence phenotype.

Importance

Although vaccines have limited the scope of pneumococcal infections, Streptococcus pneumoniae still remains an important human pathogen. Understanding novel elements, such as SpnCI, that enhance virulence can lead to the development of more targeted therapeutic and diagnostic tools within the clinical realm.
In-vivo targeted tagging of RNA isolates cell specific transcriptional responses to environmental stimuli and identifies liver-to-adipose RNA transfer
Authors: Darr J. , Lassi M. , Tomar Archana , Gerlini R. , Scheid F. , Hrabě de Angelis M. , Witting M. , Teperino R.
Published: June 2019

Bio-fluids contain various circulating cell-free RNA transcripts (ccfRNAs). The composition of these ccfRNAs varies between bio-fluids and constitute tantalizing biomarker candidates for several pathologies. ccfRNAs have also been demonstrated as mediators of cellular communication, yet little is known about their function in physiological and developmental settings and most works are limited to in-vitro studies. Here, we have developed iTAG-RNA, a novel method for the unbiased tagging of RNA transcripts in mice in-vivo. We used this method to isolate hepatocytes and kidney proximal epithelial cells-specific transcriptional response to a dietary challenge without interfering with the tissue architecture, and to identify multiple hepatocyte-secreted ccfRNAs in plasma. We also identified transfer of these hepatic derived ccfRNAs to adipose tissue, where they likely serve as a buffering mechanism to maintain cholesterol and lipid homeostasis. Our findings directly demonstrate in-vivo transfer of RNAs between tissues and highlight its implications for endocrine signaling and homeostasis.
DeepKinZero: Zero-Shot Learning for Predicting Kinase-Phosphosite Associations Involving Understudied Kinases
Authors: Deznabi Iman , Arabaci Busra , Koyutürk Mehmet , Tastan Oznur
Published: June 2019

Protein phosphorylation is a key regulator of protein function in signal transduction pathways. Kinases are the enzymes that catalyze the phosphorylation of other proteins in a target specific manner. The dysregulation of phosphorylation is associated with many diseases including cancer. Although the advances in phosphoproteomics enable the identification of phosphosites at the proteome level, most of the phosphoproteome is still in the dark: more than 95% of the reported human phosphosites have no known kinases. Determining which kinase is responsible for phosphorylating a site remains an experimental challenge. Existing computational methods require several examples of known targets of a kinase to make accurate kinase specific predictions, yet for a large body of kinases, only a few or no target sites are reported. We present DeepKinZero, the first zero-shot learning approach to predict the kinase acting on a phosphosite for kinases with no known phosphosite information. DeepKinZero transfers knowledge from kinases with many known target phosphosites to those kinases with no known sites through a zero-shot learning model. The kinase specific positional amino acid preferences are learned using a bidirectional recurrent neural network. We show that DeepKinZero achieves significant improvement in accuracy for kinases with no known phosphosites in comparison to the baseline model and other methods available. By expanding our knowledge on understudied kinases, DeepKinZero can help to chart the phosphoproteome atlas.
Context-dependent activation of SIRT3 is necessary for anchorage-independent survival and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Kim Yeon Soo , Gupta-Vallur Piyushi , Jones Victoria M. , Worley Beth L. , Shimko Sara , Shin Dong-Hui , Crawford LaTaijah C. , Chen Chi-Wei , Aird Katherine M. , Abraham Thomas , Shepherd Trevor G. , Warrick Joshua I. , Lee Nam Y. , Phaeton Rebecca , Mythreye Karthikeyan , Hempel Nadine
Published: June 2019

Cells must alter their antioxidant capacity for maximal metastatic potential. However, the antioxidant adaptations required for transcoelomic metastasis, which is the passive dissemination of cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity as seen in ovarian cancer, have largely remained unexplored. Contradicting the need for oxidant scavenging by tumor cells is the observation that expression of the nutrient stress sensor and regulator of mitochondrial antioxidant defenses, SIRT3, is suppressed in many primary tumors. We discovered that this mitochondrial deacetylase is however, upregulated in a context-dependent manner in cancer cells. SIRT3 activity and expression transiently increased following ovarian cancer cell detachment and in tumor cells derived from malignant ascites of high-grade serous adenocarcinoma patients. Mechanistically, SIRT3 prevents mitochondrial superoxide surges in detached cells by regulating the manganese superoxide dismutase SOD2. This mitochondrial stress response is under dual regulation by SIRT3. SIRT3 rapidly increases SOD2 activity as an early adaptation to cellular detachment, which is followed by SIRT3-dependent transcriptional increases in SOD2 during sustained anchorage-independence. In addition, SIRT3 inhibits glycolytic capacity in anchorage-independent cells thereby contributing to metabolic changes in response to detachment. While manipulation of SIRT3 expression has few deleterious effects on cancer cells in attached conditions, SIRT3 up-regulation and SIRT3-mediated oxidant scavenging following matrix detachment are required for anoikis resistance in vitro, and both SIRT3 and SOD2 are necessary for colonization of the peritoneal cavity in vivo. Our results highlight the novel context-specific, pro-metastatic role of SIRT3 in ovarian cancer.
NMDA receptor in vasopressin 1b neurons is not required for short-term social memory, object memory or aggression
Authors: Williams Avram Sarah K. , Fastman Jarrett , Cymerblit-Sabba Adi , Smith Adam , Vincent Matthew , Song June , Lee Heon-Jin , Granovetter Michael C. , Lee Su-Hyun , Cilz Nick , Stackmann Michelle , Chaturvedi Rahul , Young W. Scott
Published: June 2019

The vasopressin 1b receptor (Avpr1b) plays an important role in social behaviors including aggression, social learning and memory. Genetic removal of Avpr1b from mouse models results in deficits in aggression and short-term social recognition in adults. Avpr1b gene expression is highly enriched in the pyramidal neurons of the hippocampal cornu ammonis 2 (CA2) region. Activity of the hippocampal CA2 has been shown to be required for normal short-term social recognition and aggressive behaviors. Vasopressin acts to enhance synaptic responses of CA2 neurons through a NMDA-receptor dependent mechanism. Genetic removal of the obligatory subunit of the NMDA receptor (Grin1) within distinct hippocampal regions impairs non-social learning and memory. However, the question of a direct role for NMDA receptor activity in Avpr1b neurons to modulate social behavior remains unclear. To answer this question, we first created a novel transgenic mouse line with Cre recombinase knocked into the Avpr1b coding region to genetically target Avpr1b neurons. We confirmed this line has dense Cre expression throughout the dorsal and ventral CA2 regions of the hippocampus, along with scattered expression within the caudate-putamen and olfactory bulb. Conditional removal of the NMDA receptor was achieved by crossing our line to an available floxed Grin1 line. The resulting mice were measured on a battery of social and memory behavioral tests. Surprisingly, we did not observe any differences between Avpr1b-Grin1 knockout mice and their wildtype siblings. We conclude that mice without typical NMDA receptor function in Avpr1b neurons can develop normal aggression as well as short-term social and object memory performance.

Significance Statement

Activity of neurons that express vasopressin 1b receptor are essential for aggressive and social recognition behaviors. We created a novel transgenic mouse to allow selective targeting of vasopressin 1b neurons. Our studies indicate that NMDA receptor expression in vasopressin 1b neurons (including most CA2 neurons) are not required for development of the typical expression of aggression or recognition memory. Thus, CA2 neurons may have a unique way of incorporating novel stimuli into memory that deserves further investigation.
Phase separation of TAZ compartmentalizes the transcription machinery to promote gene expression
Authors: Wu Tiantian , Lu Yi , Gutman Orit , Lu Huasong , Zhou Qiang , Henis Yoav I. , Luo Kunxin
Published: June 2019

TAZ promotes cell proliferation, development, and tumorigenesis by regulating target gene transcription. However, how TAZ orchestrates the transcriptional responses remains poorly defined. Here we demonstrate that TAZ forms nuclear condensates via liquid-liquid phase separation to compartmentalize its DNA binding co-factor TEAD4, the transcription co-activators BRD4 and MED1 and the transcription elongation factor CDK9 for activation of gene expression. TAZ, but not its paralog YAP, forms phase-separated droplets in vitro and liquid-like nuclear condensates in vivo, and this ability is negatively regulated by Hippo signaling via LATS-mediated phosphorylation and mediated by the coiled-coil domain. Deletion of the TAZ coiled-coil domain or substitution with the YAP coiled-coil domain does not affect the interaction of TAZ with its partners, but prevents its phase separation and more importantly, its ability to induce target gene expression. Thus, our study identifies a novel mechanism for the transcriptional activation by TAZ and demonstrates for the first time that pathway-specific transcription factors also engage the phase separation mechanism for efficient transcription activation.
The impact of body posture on intrinsic brain activity: the role of beta power at rest
Authors: Donno Brunella , Migliorati Daniele , Zappasodi Filippo , Perrucci Mauro Gianni , Costantini Marcello
Published: June 2019

1.

Tying the hands behind the back has detrimental effect of sensorimotor perceptual tasks. Here we provide evidence that beta band oscillatory activity in a resting state condition might have a crucial role in such detrimental effects. EEG activity in a resting state condition was measured from thirty participants in two different body posture conditions. In one condition participants were required to keep their hands freely resting on the table. In the other condition, participants were required to keep the hands tied behind their back. Increased beta power was observed in the left inferior frontal gyrus (l-IFG) during the tied hands condition compared to the free hands condition. A control study ruled out alternative explanations including muscle tension that might have affected the EEG data. Our findings provide new insight on how body postural manipulations impact on perceptual tasks and intrinsic brain activity.
High-temperature Fe oxidation coupled with redistribution of framework cations in lobanovite, K2Na(Fe2+4Mg2Na)Ti2(Si4O12)2O2(OH)4– the first titanosilicate case
Authors: Zhitova Elena S. , Zolotarev Andrey A. , Hawthorne Frank C. , Krivovichev Sergey V. , Yakovenchuk Viktor N. , Goncharov Alexey G.
Published: June 2019

The high-temperature (HT) behaviour of lobanovite, K2Na(Fe2+4Mg2Na)Ti2(Si4O12)2O2(OH)4, was studied usingin situpowder X-ray diffraction in the temperature range 25–1000°C andex situsingle-crystal X-ray diffraction of 17 crystals quenched from different temperatures. HT iron oxidation associated with dehydroxylation starts at 450°C, similar to other ferrous-hydroxy-rich heterophyllosilicates such as astrophyllite and bafertisite. A prominent feature of lobanovite HT crystal chemistry is the redistribution of Fe and Mg+Mn cations over theM(2),M(3),M(4) sites of the octahedral (O) layer that accompanies iron oxidation and dehydroxylation. This HT redistribution of cations has not been observed in titanosilicates until now, and seems to be triggered by the need to maintain bond strengths at the apical oxygen atom of the TiO5pyramid in the heteropolyhedral (H) layer during oxidation–dehydroxylation. Comparison of the HT behaviour of lobanovite with five-coordinated Ti and astrophyllite with six-coordinated Ti shows that the geometry of the Ti polyhedron plays a key role in the HT behaviour of heterophyllosilicates. The thermal expansion, geometrical changes and redistribution of site occupancies which occur in lobanovite under increasing temperature are reported. A brief discussion is given of minerals in which the cation ordering (usually for Fe and Mg) occurs together with iron oxidation–dehydroxylation at elevated temperatures: micas, amphiboles and tourmalines. Now this list is expanded by the inclusion of titanosilicate minerals.
The first silver bismuth borate, AgBi2B5O11
Authors: Volkov Sergey , Charkin Dmitri , Bubnova Rimma , Povolotskiy Alexey , Arsent'ev Maxim , Krzhizhanovskay Maria , Stefanovich Sergey , Ugolkov Valery , Kurilenko Ludmila
Published: June 2019

The first silver bismuth borate, AgBi2B5O11(silver dibismuth pentaborate), has been preparedviaglass crystallization in the Ag2O–Bi2O3–B2O3system and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Its structure is derived from that of centrosymmetric Bi3B5O12by ordered substitution of one Bi3+ion for Ag+, which results in the disappearance of the mirror plane and inversion centre. Second harmonic generation (SHG) measurements confirm the acentric crystal structure. It is formed by [Bi2B5O11]∞layers stretched alongcand comprised of vertex-sharing B5O10and BiO3groups which incorporate the Ag+cations. The new compound was characterized by thermal analysis, high-temperature powder X-ray diffraction, and vibrational and UV–Vis–NIR (near infrared) spectroscopy. Its thermal expansion is strongly anisotropic due to the presence of rigid B5O10groups aligned in a parallel manner. The minimal value is observed along their axis [parallel toc, αc = 3.1 (1) × 10−6K−1], while maximal values are observed in theabplane [αa= 20.4 (2) and αb= 7.8 (2) × 10−6K−1]. Upon heating, AgBi2B5O11starts to decay above 684 K due to partial reduction of silver; incongruent melting is observed at 861 K. According to density functional theory (DFT) band-structure calculations, the new compound is a semiconductor with an indirect energy gap of 3.57 eV, which agrees with the experimental data (absorption onset at 380 nm).
Versatility in corporate writing Brochures from oil and gas companies
Authors: Osman Hajibah
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a linguistic perspective for corporate brochures. Corporate brochures are published to introduce an organization and to provide information about it but the brochures have been claimed to include promotional elements. By conducting a genre analysis the paper aims to confirm that genre-based writing is not formulaic but instead demonstrates versatility and creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

Corporate brochures from a specific industry, oil and gas were sourced from the websites and a total of 16 were available. The method of analysis was genre analysis to establish the generic structure of the brochures by examining the rhetorical moves and strategies, and to identify the textual features of the texts to explain why they are written the way they are.

Findings

The oil and gas brochures display a five-move generic structure with a number of strategies. The moves show high occurrence proving the industry as a specialized one. Although the moves are the same, the contents are varied. Versatility is also seen in the presentation style in terms of form, content and language.

Practical implications

Findings on generic structure and textual features of brochures can be used as a guide for corporate writers, as well as trainees and students of corporate communication.

Originality/value

The data for this research represent one industry which has not been explored before thus contributing to the body of knowledge in the field of genre analysis. Although generic in form, genre-based writing has proven to be versatile. The textual features show how companies project their corporate image via brochures.
Analysis of the innovation and development of the socialist market economy theory
Authors: Hu Jiayong
Published: June 2019

Purpose

As a major theoretical breakthrough of the Marxist political economy based on the practice of China’s reform and opening up, the theory of socialist market economy constitutes an important part of the political economy of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Its essence is that socialism (as a social system) and market economy (as a resource allocation mechanism) can be organically integrated to exert the advantages of both at the same time and generate new institutional and systematic advantages.

Findings

It has condensed many important theoretical viewpoints, involving major theoretical and practical issues, such as the relationship between the government and the market, the basic economic system, the income distribution system, the operation of the market economy and the opening up to the outside world, which have become the basic principles of socialist political economy with Chinese characteristics.

Originality/value

The new practice of comprehensively deepening reform and building a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way is bound to provide an impetus to the deepening and systematization of the theory of socialist market economy.
Creating a reliable financing mechanism for economic development
Authors: Li Yang
Published: June 2019

Purpose

China’s economic development in the past 40 years has an array of distinctive features that have attracted the attention of the world. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis logic is as follows: with regard to the mechanism, the above factors were met in a timely manner and jointly contributed positive energy to China’s economic growth, with the increase in the savings rate as the necessary condition and foundation, and the increase in the savings rate is attributed to the explosive expansion of the financial system at the beginning of reform and the formation of positive incentives for residents, enterprises and governments at all levels, and the expansion of the financial system and the formation of positive incentives are clearly the crystallization of the wisdom of Chinese-style progressive reform.

Findings

Therefore, we have every reason to believe that the growth prospects of the Chinese economy remain bright. The author is nonetheless confident that the new two-step strategy for economic development will be realized, proposed by the 19th CPC National Congress.

Originality/value

Moreover, the growth of China’s economy has long been accompanied by the “double surplus” of current accounts and capital and financial accounts in the international balance of payments, which is not completely consistent with the traditional paradigm of development economics. These phenomena are so unique that the international community calls it the “Mystery of China” or “China’s Development Path.”
Scientific and technological innovation related to real economic growth
Authors: Long Xiaoning
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Innovation is the fundamental driving force for the long-term sustainable development of an economy. After four decades of rapid economic growth, China is facing crises related to a demographic structure of “aging before getting rich,” industrial overcapacity of low-end products and environmental and resources constraints. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on logical analysis and recapitulation of previous empirical research, this study presents the conclusion.

Findings

Scientific and technological innovation, as strategic support to improve social productivity and overall national strength, must be placed at the center of the country’s overall development.

Originality/value

The development model that preys upon cheap resources for extensive growth is unsustainable. Thus, the country needs an urgent strategic switch to drive its economic growth through research and development innovation and original technological advancement.
Understanding paternalistic leadership: how to work with Chinese leaders
Authors: Sposato Martin
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this viewpoint is to introduce Westerners to Chinese leadership, leader behaviors, and expectations. The main features of Chinese paternalistic leadership (PL) are explored before outlining practical advice on what to expect when working with Chinese paternalistic leaders and their organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint is developed from both a review of the literature on paternalistic leadership and 45 in-depth interviews with Chinese leaders and their subordinates. This systematic data collection is coupled with lived experience, as the author lived, worked, and studied in China for three years.

Findings

The paper makes salient the three main behaviors of Chinese PL, as identified in the literature: benevolence, authoritarianism, and morality. This paper reports on how those unfamiliar with Chinese PL can negotiate and potentially thrive under this type of leadership.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is the advice offered for those unfamiliar with PL; this advice is based on the academic literature and primary research. The advice, such as saving face and the importance of loyalty, makes the academic literature more accessible and lends practical application by highlighting how the research on PL is relevant to subordinates and colleagues.
Performance assessment and major trends in open government data research based on Web of Science data
Authors: Lv Hong , Ma Haiqun
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the global progress and explore research areas and development trends of open government data (OGD) field from the Web of Science (WOS) database by applying the bibliometric visualization approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducted a bibliometric mapping study on OGD scientific research publications based on WOS from six aspects.

Findings

There are six research perspectives on OGD research. European countries and developed countries pay more attention to OGD movement. The 20 most cited and highly influential research documents were identified. What’s more, the analysis of journals level highlights the interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary characteristics of OGD research. Current six research topics for OGD research that have been formed and two major emerging research priorities in OGD research fields were identified.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation is that data retrieval result which decided to include only 180 publications in the WOS-indexed publications produced a bias against research publications published in non-WOS publication sources. A fuller research trend would be obtained with the more extensively used electronic databases.

Practical implications

By dint of bibliometric analysis, this paper may be able to quantify research patterns on OGD, to analyze what has been done in this field and to identify the main research hotspots. Therefore, it can aid academic researchers and practicing professionals in contributing to the field more effectively and advancing scientific progress in the field of OGD research.

Social implications

The results can also promote the study on OGD movement in academia, government and industry and also enrich the theory of OGD and provide some new perspectives for research on OGD.

Originality/value

This is the first study to quantify and evaluate global research patterns and development trends in OGD research based on WOS database, which provides a quantitative perspective on OGD studies that may assist in advancing the development of the field.
Application of biharmonic equation in impeller profile optimization design of an aero-centrifugal pump
Authors: Liu Xianwei , Li Huacong , Shi Xinxing , Fu Jiangfeng
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the hydraulic efficiency without changing the overall dimension. The blade profile optimization design of the aero-centrifugal pump based on the biharmonic equation surrogate model has been studied.

Design/methodology/approach

First of all, Bezier curves and linear function are used to control the annular angle distribution and the stacking angle of blade profile under the MATLAB platform. Grid independence analysis has been studied to find the finest mesh scheme. After the precision comparison of test data and computation fluid dynamics 15 sets of design parameters are carried out as the boundary condition of the biharmonic equation. The efficiency surrogate model of the biharmonic equation is constructed via iteratively solving of a discrete difference equation. The other two surrogate models of response surface model (RSM) and radial basis function neural network surrogate model (RBFNNSM) are compared with the biharmonic equation surrogate model by the standard of modified complex correlation coefficient R2 and root mean square deviation (RSME). Finally, the artificial fish swarm algorithm has been used to find the global optimal design parameters with the objective function of highest efficiency.

Findings

The results show that the design parameters code conversion method can reduce the number of optimization parameters from five to three, makes the design space become a cube, and compared with RSM and RBFNNSM, the biharmonic equation surrogate model has higher precision with R2 is 0.8958, RSME is 0.1382. The final optimum result of AFSA is at the point of [1 −1 −1]. The internal flow field analysis shows that after optimization the outlet relative velocity becomes more uniform and the wake effect has been significantly decreased. The hydraulic efficiency of the optimized pump is about 59.45 per cent increasing 5.4 per cent compared with a prototype pump.

Originality/value

This study developed a new method to optimize the design parameters of aero-centrifugal pump impeller based on biharmonic equation surrogate model, which had a good agreement with experimental values within just 15 sets of the original design. The optimization results shows that the method can improve the hydraulic efficiency significantly.
An adaptive order response surface method for structural reliability analysis
Authors: Zhang Wentong , Xiao Yiqing
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Balancing accuracy and efficiency is an important evaluation index of response surface method. The purpose of this paper is to propose an adaptive order response surface method (AORSM) based on univariate decomposition model (UDM).

Design/methodology/approach

First, the nonlinearity of the univariate function can be judged by evaluating the goodness of fit and the error of curve fit rationally. Second, combining UDM with the order analysis of separate component polynomial, an easy-to-implement AORSM is proposed. Finally, several examples involving mathematical functions and structural engineering problems are studied in detail.

Findings

With the proposed AORSM, the orders of component functions in the original response surface can be determined adaptively and the results of those cases in this paper indicate that the proposed method performs good accuracy, efficiency and robustness.

Research limitations/implications

Because just the cases with single failure mode and single MPP are studied in this paper, the application in multi-failure mode and multi-MPP cases need to be investigated in the coming work.

Originality/value

The nonlinearity of the univariate in the response surface can be determined adaptively and the undetermined coefficients of each component function are obtained separately, which reduces the computation dramatically.
Developing a maintenance index framework for heritage concrete buildings
Authors: Ismail Zul-Atfi
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The improper management of conventional systems for recording, diagnosing and analysing information appears to be a major problem in the maintenance of heritage buildings. This is because of a lack of detection of patent or latent defects, ineffective repair methods and inappropriate planning decisions, which increase the risks of failure throughout the lifetime of heritage buildings. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept of maintenance management practices, as well as techniques and tools from information and communication technology, was reviewed to identify suitable processes and construct an information database of maintenance and management techniques. A maintenance index framework was then formulated by analysing these concepts.

Findings

The initial findings identify the need for decision-making support in the diagnosis of heritage building maintenance based on robust data collection. This should include the selection of a durable replacement design and material or an appropriate rehabilitation method for managing quality and reducing associated defects.

Originality/value

Further research into the maintenance of heritage buildings should consider various aspects in terms of sustainability. The paper concludes that implementing a maintenance index framework can help improve the decision-making performance with regard to the design, construction and maintenance operations of heritage concrete buildings.
Soil moisture regimes in Mexico in a global 1.5°C warming scenario
Authors: Gomez Diaz Jesus David , Monterroso Alejandro I. , Ruiz Patricia , Lechuga Lizeth M. , Álvarez Ana Cecilia Conde , Asensio Carlos
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aims to present the climate change effect on soil moisture regimes in Mexico in a global 1.5°C warming scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

The soil moisture regimes were determined using the Newhall simulation model with the database of mean monthly precipitation and temperature at a scale of 1: 250,000 for the current scenario and with the climate change scenarios associated with a mean global temperature increase of 1.5°C, considering two Representative Concentration Pathways, 4.5 and 8.5 W/m2and three general models of atmospheric circulation, namely, GFDL, HADGEM and MPI. The different vegetation types of the country were related to the soil moisture regimes for current conditions and for climate change.

Findings

According to the HADGEM and MPI models, almost the entire country is predicted to undergo a considerable increase in soil moisture deficit, and part of the areas of each moisture regime will shift to the next drier regime. The GFDL model also predicts this trend but at smaller proportions.

Originality/value

The changes in soil moisture at the regional scale that reveal the impacts of climate change and indicate where these changes will occur are important elements of the knowledge concerning the vulnerability of soils to climate change. New cartography is available in Mexico.
Contextualising ethnic minority entrepreneurship beyond the west
Authors: Verver Michiel , Passenier David , Roessingh Carel
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Literature on immigrant and ethnic minority entrepreneurship almost exclusively focusses on the west, while neglecting other world regions. This neglect is problematic not only because international migration is on the rise outside the west, but also because it reveals an implicit ethnocentrism and creates particular presumptions about the nature of ethnic minority entrepreneurship that may not be as universally valid as is often presumed. The purpose of this paper is to examine ethnic minority entrepreneurship in non-western contexts to critically assess two of these presumptions, namely that it occurs in the economic margins and within clear ethnic community boundaries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on academic literature (including the authors’ own) to develop two case descriptions of ethnic minority entrepreneurship outside the west: the Mennonites in Belize and the Chinese in Cambodia. For each case, the authors describe the historic entrepreneurial trajectory, i.e. the historical emergence of entrepreneurship in light of relevant community and society contexts.

Findings

The two cases reveal that, in contrast to characterisations of ethnic minority entrepreneurship in the west, the Mennonites in Belize and the Chinese in Cambodia have come to comprise the economic upper class, and their business activities are not confined to ethnic community boundaries.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to elaborate the importance of studying ethnic minority entrepreneurship outside the west, both as an aim in itself and as a catalyst to work towards a more neutral framework.
Children of expatriates: key factors affecting their adjustment
Authors: de Sivatte Isabel , Bullinger Bernadette , Cañamero Miguel , Martel Gomez Mónica del Pino
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the antecedents of the adjustment of expatriate children to foreign destinations. This process of adjustment is partly explained by the transformation of their identities while abroad.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a mixed method approach. First, to identify the factors that affect expatriate children’s adjustment, 36 interviews were conducted. Anad hocsurvey was then developed, distributed and analyzed, in order to determine the factors that really help or inhibit the adjustment of expatriate children.

Findings

Expatriate children adapt quite well, and they are mostly interested in fitting in with other children, whether locals or other internationals. Some relevant factors found to relate to adjustment were children’s social skills, their academic self-efficacy, the academic level of the school in the host country and the support received from their families.

Practical implications

Companies could use the results of this study in their cross-cultural training of expatriates traveling with families.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine a rather comprehensive set of factors that affect the adjustment of expatriate children, using a mixed methods approach.
Study abroad as social and emotional learning
Authors: Byker Erik Jon
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper investigates and reports on the study abroad experiences of 22 teacher candidates from the Southeast region of the USA (n=22). The purpose of this paper is to examine the teacher candidates’ development of social and emotional learning through their international teaching experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is framed by Critical Cosmopolitan Theory, which is a theoretical lens for a critical understanding of the development of global competencies for critical consciousness. The paper uses a case study research design (Yin, 2008), which included data collected via artifact analysis, participant interviews and participant observation through field notes.

Findings

The study found how the study abroad and international teaching experiences were instrumental in aiding in the teacher candidates’ social and emotional learning. This included the adoption of culturally responsive teaching practices, development of reading the world and enactment of taking action to rewrite the world.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations is the relatively small sample size. This is due, in part, to the high cost associated with study abroad. The high cost of study abroad can be a barrier for students to access the cross-cultural experiences afforded by study abroad. The hefty price tag of study abroad often limits the number of teacher candidates at public institutions who can go on study abroad (Malewski and Phillion, 2009). A future research agenda is needed about ways to help off-set the costs in order to make study abroad more affordable and equitable.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this paper are that it provides an instructive lens for how to integrate social and emotional learning within a study abroad experience. At the same time, the paper connects socio-emotional learning (SEL) with the development of global competencies and global citizenship.

Social implications

The social implications relate to the practical implications in that the paper illustrates how SEL is connected to the development of global citizenship development. The study weds the critical cosmopolitan framework with SEL to show how learners develop empathy through reading and rewriting the world.

Originality/value

The case study presented in this paper highlights the possibilities of study abroad in tandem with international teaching experiences to help prepare teachers with SEL features like fostering empathy, developing culturally responsive practices, and becoming critically conscious and cosmopolitan. The study fills a gap in the literature regarding the development of SEL among elementary education teacher candidates through study abroad and international teaching experiences.
The role of accounting in conflicts resolution
Authors: Abdul-Baki Zayyad
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine an alternative use of accounting information and technology (forensic audit) for resolving conflicts between two government agents and consequently enhancing accountability in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts contextualised explanation of case study theorising. Data for the study were gathered from two primary documents: the forensic audit report of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the report of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriation. The theory of mediation is used to illuminate the mediation process and its implication for accountability.

Findings

The study finds that the mediator (PwC) was able to resolve the dispute using different problem-solving techniques (data gathering and fact finding) of accounting and provide guidance on the necessary steps to be taken to enhance accountability. Whilst the disputants agreed to the audit firm’s findings, further actions to hold relevant parties accountable were not taken by the government. Accounting aids in realising accountability, but it is not the ultimate tool, as it operates within a host of other accountability infrastructures that subvert its impact.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses a single case to understand the role of accounting in conflicts resolution. Therefore, as a general limitation of a case study design, we do not generalize beyond the case examined in this study.

Practical implications

The study has implications for accounting practice in developing countries. Firstly, the paper finds that accounting is held in high esteem as having the ability to unravel mysteries through its problem-solving techniques. Secondly, professional accounting firms need to maintain a high level of competence and integrity to sustain this position. Thirdly, accounting can help answer the question “Who should be held accountable?”

Originality/value

The study examines a novel case of how accounting is used in resolving conflicts in a rare setting and in ensuring accountability over public funds.
Numerical study of thermal radiation and suction effects on copper and silver water nanofluids past a vertical Riga plate
Authors: Rawat Sawan Kumar , Mishra Ashish , Kumar Manoj
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the flow of Cu-water and Ag-water nanofluids past a vertical Riga plate. The plate is infinite in height and has zero normal wall flux through its surface. Influence of thermal radiation, slip, suction and chemical reaction on the flow characteristics are reported.

Design/methodology/approach

Non-dimensional forms of the flow governing equations are obtained by means of a set of similarity transformations. Numerical solution is obtained with the help of fourth-fifth-order Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method with shooting procedure. Comparison of solution profiles of Cu-water and Ag-water nanofluids are presented graphically and with the help of tables. Influence of pertinent parameters on skin friction and heat transfer rate is also reported.

Findings

Results reveal that the skin friction coefficient is more prominent in the case of Ag-water nanofluid for an increase in thermal radiation and volume fraction. The role of suction and slip is to increase velocity but decrease the temperature in both nanofluids. Temperature and velocity of both nanofluids increase as volume fraction and thermal radiation values are augmented. Heat transport increases with thermal radiation. Region near the plate experiences rise in nanoparticle concentration with an increase in chemical reaction parameter.

Originality/value

A complete investigation of the modeled problem is addressed and the results of this paper are original.
Global Libraries impact planning and assessment progress: part 2
Authors: Streatfield David , Abisla Richard , Al Umut , Bunescu Violeta , Dewata Yulianto , Garroux Camila , Greeb Daniela , Maister Artiom , Paley Jeremy , Sharma Shipra , Sharma Tripti , Soydal İrem , Trần Tâm Thị Thanh
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on recent performance measurement and impact evaluation progress made in Brazil, India, Indonesia, Moldova, Turkey and Vietnam as part of the last phase of the Global Libraries Initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

The country reports are presented as a series of case studies, in some cases supplementing those reported earlier in this journal.

Findings

Recent country-specific survey findings are reported and some conclusions are offered.

Research limitations/implications

This paper demonstrates how the adoption of a common approach to library service evaluation across several countries can strengthen research practice at country level beyond the Global Libraries Initiative itself.

Practical implications

This paper shares Global Libraries IPA learning at country level with people in other countries who may be contemplating public library evaluation at regional, national or local levels or who are interested in performance measurement and impact evaluation.

Social implications

The paper shows how focusing on the impact of public library services on users can enhance the understanding of community requirements and inform the development of more effective services to library users and communities.

Originality/value

These case studies reflect concentrated impact evaluation and performance measurement work at country level across a range of countries over more than 18 years.