bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Experiment Nonlinear Mixed Effect Modeling of Single-Cell Translation Kinetics after Transfection
Authors: Fröhlich F. , Reiser A. , Fink L. , Woschée D. , Ligon T. , Theis F. J. , Rädler J. O. , Hasenauer J.
Published: March 2018

Single-cell time-lapse studies have advanced the quantitative understanding of cell-to-cell variability. However, as the information content of individual experiments is limited, methods to integrate data collected under different conditions are required.

Here we present a multi-experiment nonlinear mixed effect modeling approach for mechanistic pathway models, which allows the integration of multiple single-cell perturbation experiments. We apply this approach to the translation of green fluorescent protein after transfection using a massively parallel read-out of micropatterned single-cell arrays. We demonstrate that the integration of data from perturbation experiments allows the robust reconstruction of cell-to-cell variability, i.e., parameter densities, while each individual experiment provides insufficient information. Indeed, we show that the integration of the datasets on the population level also improves the estimates for individual cells by breaking symmetries, although each of them is only measured in one experiment. Moreover, we confirmed that the suggested approach is robust with respect to batch effects across experimental replicates and can provide mechanistic insights into the nature of batch effects. We anticipate that the proposed multi-experiment nonlinear mixed effect modeling approach will serve as a basis for the analysis of cellular heterogeneity in single-cell dynamics.
Leveraging Existing 16S rRNA Gene Surveys to Identify Reproducible Biomarkers in Individuals with Colorectal Tumors
Authors: Sze Marc A , Schloss Patrick D
Published: March 2018

An increasing body of literature suggests that both individual and collections of bacteria are associated with the progression of colorectal cancer. As the number of studies investigating these associations increases and the number of subjects in each study increases, a meta-analysis to identify the associations that are the most predictive of disease progression is warranted. We analyzed previously published 16S rRNA gene sequencing data collected from feces and colon tissue. We quantified the odds ratios (ORs) for individual bacterial taxa that were associated with an individual having tumors relative to a normal colon. Among the fecal samples, there were no taxa that had significant ORs associated with adenoma and there were 8 taxa with significant ORs associated with carcinoma. Similarly, among the tissue samples, there were no taxa that had a significant OR associated with adenoma and there were 3 taxa with significant ORs associated with carcinoma. Among the significant ORs, the association between individual taxa and tumor diagnosis was equal or below 7.11. Because individual taxa had limited association with tumor diagnosis, we trained Random Forest classification models using only the taxa that had significant ORs, using the entire collection of taxa found in each study, and using operational taxonomic units defined based on a 97% similarity threshold. All training approaches yielded similar classification success as measured using the Area Under the Curve. The ability to correctly classify individuals with adenomas was poor and the ability to classify individuals with carcinomas was considerably better using sequences from fecal or tissue.

Importance

Colorectal cancer is a significant and growing health problem in which animal models and epidemiological data suggest that the colonic microbiota have a role in tumorigenesis. These observations indicate that the colonic microbiota is a reservoir of biomarkers that may improve our ability to detect colonic tumors using non-invasive approaches. This meta-analysis identifies and validates a set of 8 bacterial taxa that can be used within a Random Forest modeling framework to differentiate individuals as having normal colons or carcinomas. When models trained using one dataset were tested on other datasets, the models performed well. These results lend support to the use of fecal biomarkers for the detection of tumors. Furthermore, these biomarkers are plausible candidates for further mechanistic studies into the role of the gut microbiota in tumorigenesis.
Error Correcting Optical Mapping Data
Authors: Mukherjee Kingshuk , Washimkar Darshan , Muggli Martin D. , Salmela Leena , Boucher Christina
Published: March 2018

Optical mapping is a unique system that is capable of producing high-resolution, high-throughput genomic map data that gives information about the structure of a genome [21]. Recently it has been used for scaffolding contigs and assembly validation for large-scale sequencing projects, including the maize [32], goat [6], and amborella [4] genomes. However, a major impediment in the use of this data is the variety and quantity of errors in the raw optical mapping data, which are called Rmaps. The challenges associated with using Rmap data are analogous to dealing with insertions and deletions in the alignment of long reads. Moreover, they are arguably harder to tackle since the data is numerical and susceptible to inaccuracy. We develop cOMet to error correct Rmap data, which to the best of our knowledge is the only optical mapping error correction method. Our experimental results demonstrate that cOMet has high prevision and corrects 82.49% of insertion errors and 77.38% of deletion errors in Rmap data generated from the E. coli K-12 reference genome. Out of the deletion errors corrected, 98.26% are true errors. Similarly, out of the insertion errors corrected, 82.19% are true errors. It also successfully scales to large genomes, improving the quality of 78% and 99% of the Rmaps in the plum and goat genomes, respectively. Lastly, we show the utility of error correction by demonstrating how it improves the assembly of Rmap data. Error corrected Rmap data results in an assembly that is more contiguous, and covers a larger fraction of the genome.
Association of predicted deleterious single nucleotide polymorphisms with carcass traits in meat-type chickens
Authors: Trevisoli Priscila Anchieta , Monteiro Moreira Gabriel Costa , Boschiero Clarissa , Mello Cesar Aline Silva , Petrini Juliana , Ledur Mônica Corrêa , Mourão Gerson Barreto , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann
Published: March 2018

In previous studies, we used genome wide association (GWAS) to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with weight and yield of abdominal fat, drumstick, thigh and breast traits in chickens. However, this methodology assumes that the studied variants are in linkage disequilibrium with the causal mutation and consequently do not identify it. In an attempt to identify causal mutations in candidate genes for carcass traits in broilers, we selected 20 predicted deleterious SNPs within QTLs for association analysis. Additive, dominance and allele substitution effects were tested. From the 20 SNPs analyzed, we identified six SNPs with significant association (p-value <0.05) with carcass traits, and three are highlighted here. The SNP rs736010549 was associated with drumstick weight and yield with significant additive and dominance effects. The SNP rs739508259 was associated with thigh weight and yield, and with significant additive and allele substitution effects. The SNP rs313532967 was associated with breast weight and yield. The three SNPs that were associated with carcass traits (rs736010549, rs739508259 and rs313532967) are respectively located in the coding regions of the WDR77, VWA8 and BARL genes. These genes are involved in biological processes such as steroid hormone signaling pathway, estrogen binding, and regulation of cell proliferation. Our strategy allowed the identification of putative casual mutations associated with muscle growth.
Metabolic adaptations underlie epigenetic vulnerabilities in chemoresistant breast cancer
Authors: Deblois Geneviève , Tonekaboni Seyed Ali Madani , Kao Yunchi Ingrid , Tai Felicia , Liu Xiaojing , Ettayebi Ilias , Guilhamon Paul , Fedor Alexandra , Grillo Giacomo , Murison Alexander , Ba alawi Wail , Cescon David , Arrowsmith Cheryl , DeCarvalho Daniel , Park Morag , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Locasale Jason W. , Lupien Mathieu
Published: March 2018

Cancer cell survival upon cytotoxic drug exposure leads to changes in cell identity, dictated by the epigenome. Several metabolites serve as substrates or co-factors to chromatin-modifying enzymes, suggesting that metabolic changes can underlie change in cell fate. Here, we show that progression of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) to taxane-resistance is characterized by altered methionine metabolism and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) availability, giving rise to DNA hypomethylation in regions enriched for transposable elements (TE). Compensatory redistribution of H3K27me3 forming Large Organized Chromatin domains of lysine (K) modification (LOCK) prevents expression of TE in taxane-resistant cells. Pharmacological inhibition of EZH2, the H3K27me3 methyltransferase, alleviates TE repression, leading to the accumulation of dsRNA and activation of the interferon viral mimicry-response, specifically inhibiting the growth of taxane-resistant TNBC. Together, our work delineates a role for metabolic adaptations in redefining the epigenome of taxane-resistant TNBC cells and underlies an epigenetic vulnerability toward pharmacological inhibition of EZH2.
Influenza A virus superinfection potential is regulated by viral genomic heterogeneity
Authors: Sun Jiayi , Brooke Christopher B.
Published: March 2018

Defining the specific factors that govern the evolution and transmission of influenza A virus (IAV) populations is of critical importance for designing more effective prediction and control strategies. Superinfection, the sequential infection of a single cell by two or more virions, plays an important role in determining the replicative and evolutionary potential of IAV populations. The prevalence of superinfection during natural infection, and the specific mechanisms that regulate it, remain poorly understood. Here, we used a novel single virion infection approach to directly assess the effects of individual IAV genes on superinfection efficiency. Rather than implicating a specific viral gene, this approach revealed that superinfection susceptibility is determined by the total number of viral genes expressed, independent of their identity. IAV particles that expressed a complete set of viral genes potently inhibit superinfection, while semi-infectious particles (SIPs) that express incomplete subsets of viral genes do not. As a result, virus populations that contain more SIPs undergo more frequent superinfection. These findings identify both a major determinant of IAV superinfection potential and a prominent role for SIPs in promoting viral co-infection.
Frequent Monitoring of C-peptide Levels in Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Subjects Using Dried Blood Spots Collected at Home
Authors: Willemsen Ruben H. , Burling Keith , Barker Peter , Ackland Fran , Dias Renuka P. , Edge Julie , Smith Anne , Todd John , Lopez Boryana , Mander Adrian P. , Guy Catherine , Dunger David B.
Published: March 2018

Objective

To evaluate a novel approach to measure ß-cell function by frequent testing of C-peptide concentrations in ‘dried blood spots’ (DBS)

Patients

Thirty-two children, aged 7-17 years, recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Design

Mixed-meal-tolerance-test (MMTT) within 6 and again 12 months after diagnosis with paired venous and DBS C-peptide sampling at 0 and 90 minutes. Weekly DBS C-peptide before and after standardized breakfasts collected at home.

Results

DBS and plasma C-peptide levels (n=115) correlated strongly (r=0·91; p<0.001). The Bland-Altman plot indicated good agreement. The median number of home-collected DBS cards per participant was 24 over a median of 6.9 months. Repeated DBS C-peptide levels varied considerably within and between subjects. Adjustment for corresponding home glucose measurements reduced the variance permitting accurate description of changes over time. The correlation of the C-peptide slope over time assessed by repeated home DBS versus area under the curve during the two MMTTs was r=0·73; p<0.001. Mixed models showed that a 1-month increase of diabetes duration was associated with 17 pmol/l decline in fasting DBS C-peptide, whereas increases of 1 mmol/l in glucose, 1 year older age-at-diagnosis and 100 pmol/l higher baseline plasma C-peptide were associated with 18, 17 and 61 pmol/l higher fasting DBS C-peptide levels, respectively. In addition, glucose responsiveness decreased with longer diabetes duration.

Conclusion

Our approach permitted frequent assessment of C-peptide, making it feasible to monitor ß-cell function at home. Evaluation of changes in the slope of C-peptide using this method may permit short-term evaluation of promising interventions.
Of Rats And Men: Peer Presence And Familiarity Are Key Factors Which Reduce Drug Intake
Authors: Giorla E , Nordmann S , Pelloux Y , Roux P , Rosellini S , Davranche K , Montanari C , Vilotitch A , Huguet P , Carrieri P , Baunez C
Published: March 2018

Social environment influences drug consumption, its persistence and evolution. Little is known regarding the influence of the presence of a peer during drug consumption and especially how the relationship between peers (familiarity and dominance) can influence drug consumption. We used here a translational and transdisciplinary approach to explore the influence of peer presence and peer familiarity in rats and humans that self-administer stimulants. In rats, cocaine intake was compared when rats were alone with intake when peers with different characteristics (familiar or not, cocaine naive or not, dominant or subordinate) were present. In humans, 77 cocaine and/or methylphenidate users were asked to detail their most recent drug use episodes and their relationship with peers present at consumption. The results show that in both humans and rats, the risk of cocaine/stimulant consumption was significantly reduced by 37% and 32%, respectively, when a peer was present. Moreover, the lowest risk of consumption was consistently observed when the peer was unfamiliar (vs familiar) with a further 38% and 17% risk reduction, respectively. In rats, a decreased risk of consumption was greater when the peer was cocaine naive (vs non-cocaine naive).

The presence of a non-familiar and possibly drug-naive peer is the most efficient condition to diminish stimulant intake. Our results indirectly support the use of harm reduction strategies, in particular supervised consumption rooms for stimulant users.
Repeat associated mechanisms of genome evolution and function revealed by the Mus caroli and Mus pahari genomes
Authors: Thybert David , Roller Maša , Navarro Fábio C.P. , Fiddes Ian , Streeter Ian , Feig Christine , Martin-Galvez David , Kolmogorov Mikhail , Janoušek Václav , Akanni Wasiu , Aken Bronwen , Aldridge Sarah , Chakrapani Varshith , Chow William , Clarke Laura , Cummins Carla , Doran Anthony , Dunn Matthew , Goodstadt Leo , Howe Kerstin , Howell Matthew , Josselin Ambre-Aurore , Karn Robert C. , Laukaitis Christina M. , Jingtao Lilue , Martin Fergal , Muffato Matthieu , Nachtweide Stefanie , Quail Michael A. , Sisu Cristina , Stanke Mario , Stefflova Klara , Van Oosterhout Cock , Veyrunes Frederic , Ward Ben , Yang Fengtang , Yazdanifar Golbahar , Zadissa Amonida , Adams David J. , Brazma Alvis , Gerstein Mark , Paten Benedict , Pham Son , Keane Thomas M. , Odom Duncan T. , Flicek Paul
Published: March 2018

Understanding the mechanisms driving lineage-specific evolution in both primates and rodents has been hindered by the lack of sister clades with a similar phylogenetic structure having high-quality genome assemblies. Here, we have created chromosome-level assemblies of the Mus caroli and Mus pahari genomes. Together with the Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus genomes, this set of rodent genomes is similar in divergence times to the Hominidae (human-chimpanzee-gorilla-orangutan). By comparing the evolutionary dynamics between the Muridae and Hominidae, we identified punctate events of chromosome reshuffling that shaped the ancestral karyotype of Mus musculus and Mus caroli between 3 and 6 million yr ago, but that are absent in the Hominidae. Hominidae show between four- and sevenfold lower rates of nucleotide change and feature turnover in both neutral and functional sequences, suggesting an underlying coherence to the Muridae acceleration. Our system of matched, high-quality genome assemblies revealed how specific classes of repeats can play lineage-specific roles in related species. Recent LINE activity has remodeled protein-coding loci to a greater extent across the Muridae than the Hominidae, with functional consequences at the species level such as reproductive isolation. Furthermore, we charted a Muridae-specific retrotransposon expansion at unprecedented resolution, revealing how a single nucleotide mutation transformed a specific SINE element into an active CTCF binding site carrier specifically in Mus caroli, which resulted in thousands of novel, species-specific CTCF binding sites. Our results show that the comparison of matched phylogenetic sets of genomes will be an increasingly powerful strategy for understanding mammalian biology.
QUOKKA, the pinhole small-angle neutron scattering instrument at the OPAL Research Reactor, Australia: design, performance, operation and scientific highlights
Authors: Wood Kathleen , Mata Jitendra P. , Garvey Christopher J. , Wu Chun-Ming , Hamilton William A. , Abbeywick Peter , Bartlett Daniel , Bartsch Friedl , Baxter Peter , Booth Norman , Brown Warren , Christoforidis Jason , Clowes Douglas , d'Adam Timothy , Darmann Frank , Deura Michael , Harrison Shane , Hauser Nick , Horton Glen , Federici David , Franceschini Ferdi , Hanson Philip , Imamovic Eno , Imperia Paolo , Jones Martin , Kennedy Shane , Kim Sungjoong , Lam Tony , Lee Wai Tung , Lesha Mark , Mannicke David , Noakes Terry , Olsen Scott R. , Osborn John C. , Penny David , Perry Merv , Pullen Stewart A. , Robinson Robert A. , Schulz Jamie C. , Xiong Norman , Gilbert Elliot P.
Published: March 2018

QUOKKA is a 40 m pinhole small-angle neutron scattering instrument in routine user operation at the OPAL research reactor at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. Operating with a neutron velocity selector enabling variable wavelength, QUOKKA has an adjustable collimation system providing source–sample distances of up to 20 m. Following the large-area sample position, a two-dimensional 1 m2 position-sensitive detector measures neutrons scattered from the sample over a secondary flight path of up to 20 m. Also offering incident beam polarization and analysis capability as well as lens focusing optics, QUOKKA has been designed as a general purpose SANS instrument to conduct research across a broad range of scientific disciplines, from structural biology to magnetism. As it has recently generated its first 100 publications through serving the needs of the domestic and international user communities, it is timely to detail a description of its as-built design, performance and operation as well as its scientific highlights. Scientific examples presented here reflect the Australian context, as do the industrial applications, many combined with innovative and unique sample environments.
The intersection of mindsets and self-regulated learning
Authors: Lyons Paul , Bandura Randall
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the intersection of two important areas related to employee development: mindsets and self-regulated learning. These concepts suggest opportunities for managerial influence over employee behavior which may ultimately enhance organizational culture and functioning.

Design/methodology/approach

The concepts of mindsets and self-regulated learning are connected in such a way as to yield some managerial approaches to generate positive outcomes for organizations. A brief summary of the relevant literature provides a base for the positive organizational outcomes that may be obtained through a manager’s combined understanding of these two concepts.

Findings

Understanding how the concepts of mindsets and self-regulated learning are related can provide managers with tools to be used in encouraging employees toward a strengthened ability to learn, adapt, and become more valuable to the organization.

Originality/value

Useful approaches to boosting employees’ inclination to learn, adapt, change, and improve performance are developed from existing academic research.
Younger and older trust in a crisis situation
Authors: Moliner-Tena Miguel Angel , Fandos-Roig Juan Carlos , Estrada-Guillén Marta , Monferrer-Tirado Diego
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze consumer trust during a financial crisis, studying its antecedents and consequences. The perceptions of older and younger consumers are also compared.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical model of trust formation is tested on a random sample of 634 individuals from the three largest Spanish cities, Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, in a period of economic crisis. Structural equation models were used to verify the global hypothesized relationships. Additionally, the total sample was divided into two groups (younger and older consumers) in order to test the moderating effect of age in the proposed relationships.

Findings

In a period of financial crisis, older consumers’ trust is protected by an emotional and experiential shield from the effects of negative news in the surrounding environment. In contrast, trust, although important, is not the core variable for the younger segment, whose preferences are the consequence of a broad range of cognitive and emotional variables.

Research limitations/implications

This research was carried out on financial services. Emotional, relational and experience-linked variables acquire greater importance as the individual gets older, in contrast to more cognitive evaluations. The difference between the younger and the older segments is that the cornerstone of older consumers’ attitudinal loyalty is trust, whereas for younger people, it is positive switching costs or rewards. Further research on the proposed conceptual model across different industries and countries is needed to determine the generalizability and consistency of the findings from this study.

Practical implications

This paper has significant managerial implications. The authors believe that the best strategy for a bank during a period of crisis is to follow a customer-friendly orientation, as in the case of banks that took a long-term vision to look after their brand image. The study draws banking companies’ attention to the importance of using age as a segmentation criterion.

Originality/value

Based on the life-course paradigm, a theoretical model of trust formation is performed. In a period of economic crisis, trust becomes the key variable in determining older consumers’ preferences.
The effects of the elaboration likelihood model on initial trust formation in financial advisory services
Authors: Silic Mario , Ruf Christian
Published: March 2018

Purpose

In order for financial institutions to cope with increased competitive pressure from the financial technology companies, offering digital services such as a mobile service system (MSS) targeted for high net worth individuals (HNWIs) becomes critical. Despite long-term trustworthy relationships between HNWIs and financial advisors, studies suggest that the formation of initial trust poses a significant challenge. The purpose of this paper is to identify various features related to initial trust antecedents.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted using the survey data, and employs variance-based structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques to test hypotheses.

Findings

The findings from a closed experiment with 107 participants suggest that compared to more traditional service systems, customers are more prone to the construct of service quality, and specifically professional, prompt, dependable and timely financial advice.

Originality/value

The study validated key constructs that positively influence the initial trust formation process and ultimately the intention to use in an MSS for the financial advisory. The authorts particularly emphasized the rebalancing and monitoring steps in the financial planning process between HNWIs and client advisors.
Crowdsourcing
Authors: Wilson Kathleen Bridget , Bhakoo Vikram , Samson Danny
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to link crowdsourcing, operations management (OM) and project management (PM). The study demonstrates how crowdsourcing as an open innovation mechanism is operationalised within a complex PM context. Specifically, the study seeks to understand how crowdsourcing as a novel form of OM improves key outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted exploratory research involving five pure-play crowdsourcing firms based in the USA and Australia.

Findings

The findings indicate that the firms practise a form of crowdsourcing that allows flexible, efficient and low risk operations and links to contemporary notions of PM such as projectification and project society. The crowd can be used in a new manner to boost success factors tied to PM through open innovation and operational novelty. In terms of OM, crowdsourcing offers flexibility, speed, dynamism and scalability to project processes.

Research limitations/implications

This research is based on five case studies. Further fine-grained, longitudinal research is required to fully understand this phenomenon in a wider range of contexts.

Practical implications

The paper contributes to practices tied to open innovation and provides guidance on how organisations might use large crowds to enhance PM success.

Originality/value

The study represents early scholarship on crowdsourcing and project operations. It makes three contributions. First, the authors introduce a new theoretical framework linking PM and novel aspects of crowdsourcing to extend understandings of projectification, as well as open innovation frameworks. Second, the authors showcase the flexibility and fluidity of the crowdsourcing project process. Third, the authors examine crowdsourcing operations in terms of size, efficiency and scalability which results in timely and efficient output due to innovative technology, along with the element of trust among stakeholders.
Comparative financing of megacities in multi-level BRICS states
Authors: Salm Marco
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The BRICS states are based on multi-level government’s architecture whose megacities have an outstanding role in their respective states – not only in terms of population and in terms of economic power, but also in terms of local own-tax revenue collection, which, in turn, implies a very strong administration. At the same time, megacities are facing increasing public expenditures because of infrastructure needs, housing shortage, growth of social inequality, and environmental degradation. In order to outweigh the urban advantages associated with urbanization, reconsidering the fiscal framework is of urgent need. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Most similar case design is applied.

Findings

Megacities are at the forefront of national economic growth, that they have an above average tax base, an excellent administration, and therefore, face above average yields of property tax revenues. Rethinking the fiscal framework could considerably improve local finances.

Research limitations/implications

Due to limitations on public finance statistics, the sample draws on four megacities in BRICS, in reference to all megacities, only.

Practical implications

In context of Habitat III, New Urban Agenda, the practical implications are manyfold: the paper focuses on megacities, its finances (financing for development), and social implications involved.

Social implications

Local public finance, especially property taxation, has many implications on social level.

Originality/value

The paper is one in a kind.
Chinese workers’ responses to justice: quitting, collective action or both?
Authors: Zhang Yucheng , Frenkel Stephen J.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse two ways in which Chinese workers attempt to resist unjust treatment: exit through quitting and voice via collective action. This is in the context of rapid economic growth, rising economic inequality (Lu and Gao, 2011; Qinet al., 2009; Reed, 2012) and escalating industrial conflict (Pringle, 2011).

Design/methodology/approach

A model is developed and hypotheses formulated in the light of qualitative data analysis that included archival data, workplace observation and interviews with employees and managers at a large factory. A mediated chain model was tested based on a survey of 234 semi-skilled and skilled manual workers and 353 service employees employed in the same city in Western China.

Findings

Organisational identification and organisational cynicism were found to mediate the relationship between interactional justice and the two outcomes, intention to quit and collective opposition.

Originality/value

The authors’ interpretation of these relationships challenge previous research by showing that social identification is a more powerful explanation than social exchange in accounting for variations in these two outcomes. Implications are drawn for human resource theory and practice.
Engagement of family members, corporate governance and social responsibility in family-owned enterprises
Authors: El-Kassar Abdul-Nasser , ElGammal Walid , Fahed-Sreih Josiane
Published: March 2018

Purpose

With the increasing awareness and recognition of the importance of corporate governance (CG), its practices and mechanisms along with their effect on performance and general organization’s behavior have become of interest for many scholars. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between CG, with a focus on the board of directors (BOD) and the audit committee, and the level of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices toward health, refugees, community, and environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to 203 employees working at family-owned enterprises (FOE) in Lebanon. SmartPLS 3.0, statistical software for structural equation modeling, was used to analyze data.

Findings

The results indicate that the audit committee component of CG has a significant positive impact on CSR dimension practices toward health, refugees, and community and environment. Furthermore, family members’ engagement in the board of directors and decision making plays a moderating role on the relationship between the audit committee and CSR practices toward health, community, and environment, as well as the relationship between the BOD and CSR toward community and environment.

Originality/value

The role of family members’ engagement in the effectiveness of CG and CSR practices FOE is studied.
MiFID II: practical implications for high yield bond investors
Authors: Sokolova Natalia , Bahgat Tamer
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to alert the European high-yield market to several regulatory developments relating to the adoption of markets in financial instruments directive (MiFID) II.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviews regulatory developments in connection with the MiFID II adoption and implementation, identifies several practical implications for the high-yield market professionals and suggests certain modifications in the banks’ internal protocols and practices that may be required as a result.

Findings

When the provisions of MiFID II are applied on January 3, 2018, they may have a dramatic impact on global financial markets, including a number of practical implications for the high-yield bond market. The burden of implementing MiFID II will be primarily on banks and brokers with minimal impact on the high-yield issuers.

Originality/value

Practical guidance from experienced high yield, securities and financial services lawyers.
Economic effects of climate change on the Mediterranean’s irrigated agriculture
Authors: de Sousa Fragoso Rui Manuel , de Almeida Noéme Carlos José
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the economic effects of climate change on the Mediterranean’s irrigated agriculture and how the adoption of alternative crop varieties adapted to the expected length of the growing season can be an effective adaptation measure.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of two irrigation areas in Southern Portugal is used to assess the response to climate change impacts on crop yields and irrigation requirements, and an agricultural supply model is calibrated using a positive mathematical programming (PMP) approach was developed.

Findings

Climate change reduces crop yields and causes a slight decrease in irrigation requirements, which could allow an increase in the irrigated area. However, positive impacts on rural areas regarding employment and investment are not expected. The adoption of adaptation measures based on alternative crop varieties, which could maintain crop yields at current levels, increases dramatically the economic value of water and mitigates losses in farm income.

Research limitations/implications

The impacts on output and input market prices, as well as other biophysical impacts (for instance, CO2 and water availability), are important in understanding the effects of climate change on irrigated agriculture, but they were not considered in this study. While this may be a limitation, it can also be a stimulus for further research.

Practical implications

This is an empirical paper, whose results contribute to improving knowledge about the effects of climate change on irrigated agriculture in Mediterranean areas, namely, its economic impacts on returns and the use of agricultural resources (land, water, labour and capital). Other practical implications of the paper are associated with the methodological approach, which provides a framework able to deal with the complexity and multidimensional effects of climate change.

Social implications

The results of the paper provide important information for scientists, politicians and other stakeholders about the design of more effective adaptation measures able to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Originality/value

Crop yields and irrigation requirements were previously calculated based on data generated by the regional climate models. This is the first time that an application is developed for Portugal. Two distinct profiles of irrigation areas were studied and a large set of crops was considered, which is not common in the existing studies. To specify the PMP approach used to calibrate the agricultural supply model, exogenous crop-specific supply elasticities were estimated through a least square model, which is not common in previous studies.
Online financial disclosure and firms’ performance
Authors: Musleh Alsartawi Abdalmuttaleb
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between online financial disclosure (OFD) and firms’ performance in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Design/methodology/approach

Extensive literature review was carried out and a checklist of 90 items (71 for content and 19 for presentation) was developed to measure the level of OFD by the firms that are listed in financial sectors of the GCC Bourses.

Findings

The findings show that the overall OFD in GCC is 77 percent. The results indicate a positive association between OFD and firms’ performance.

Practical implications

The study recommends that regulatory bodies should develop a guideline of disclosing information through the internet in order to enhance the corporate transparency and performance among the GCC listed companies leading to reasonable economic decision making.

Originality/value

Additionally, the study contributes to financial reporting and performance literature relating to the GCC countries.
A Contrastive Study of Modulation in English and Arabic
Authors: Betti Mohammed Jasim , Igaab Zainab Kadim
Published: March 2018

Modulation is a term that denotes using modals and other constructions to refer to such functions as ability, obligation, permission and willingness. The present study is descriptive and contrastive. The aim of this study is to describe English and Arabic in terms of modulation as manifested in the four mentioned functions. The study starts with giving a description of modulation in English and Arabic. The following step is making comparisons regarding the four functions successively. The study concludes that this phenomenon is found in both languages with the existence of a number of differences in addition to some similarities.
Cooperación internacional para el desarrollo: gobierno, economía y sociedad. Evolución de las políticas y escenarios futuros
Authors: Ayuso Anna
Published: March 2018

En plena efervescencia de los nuevos objetivos de desarrollo sostenible y la denominada Agenda 2030 adoptada por la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas en septiembre de 2015, se publicó esta obra que, con un arranque retrospectivo, se proyecta hacia los escenarios futuros del sistema de cooperación internacional. La promulgación de esta agenda de carácter universal es vista como un auténtico cambio de paradigma que transforma la tradicional agenda de cooperación para el desarrollo estructurada en un esquema norte-sur de donantes y receptores, donde las concesiones de unos tenían su contrapartida en las obligaciones de los otros.
¿Un matrimonio infeliz? Democracia y violencia política en Colombia: entre la restricción, cooptación y construcción
Authors: Pino Uribe Juan Federico
Published: March 2018

Este artículo tiene dos objetivos: primero, elaborar una revisión de literatura de las investigaciones que han analizado la “convivencia” entre una democracia electoral relativamente funcional y un conflicto de alta intensidad en Colombia; segundo, a partir de esta revisión, se comparan y discuten algunos de los supuestos conceptuales, estrategias metodológicas y resultados que han tenido estas investigaciones. Como resultado de la revisión, se identifica que la producción académica de la relación entre democracia y violencia se puede organizar en tres tendencias analíticas. La primera estudia las formas en que una democracia restringida motivó el surgimiento de la violencia política, mientras que la segunda analiza cómo la violencia política incide negativamente en la democracia y la última tendencia se centra en entender esta relación como un proceso de larga duración que está articulado a los procesos de construcción del Estado colombiano. En la última parte del artículo, se comparan las diferencias conceptuales y metodológicas de las tres tendencias. A pesar de sus diferencias, se concluye que las tres coinciden en la forma en que la democracia ha influido en el comportamiento estratégico de guerrillas y paramilitares y estos, a su vez, han causado transformaciones formales e informales que han alterado y amenazado el funcionamiento de las instituciones democráticas en el ámbito local, regional y nacional.
El evento desencadenante de la garantía de lucro cesante y el término de la prescripción ordinaria
Authors: Tabares Cortés Felipe
Published: March 2018

En la Sentencia SC 7814-2016 de 15 de junio de 2016, la Sala de Casación Civil de la Corte Suprema de Justicia casa una Sentencia de Segunda Instancia concerniente a la cobertura de lucro cesante del seguro de incendio y fija la noción que en derecho colombiano le es dable al siniestro en este tipo de garantías. El presente artículo busca presentar los argumentos de la Corte Suprema en la sentencia de 15 de junio de 2016 dentro del discurso doctrinal de derecho de seguros colombiano e integrarlos en el debate internacional para tener elementos de prospección sobre la actualización y perfectibilidad del sistema jurídico colombiano. Es por ello que en primera medida será mencionado el debate jurídico alrededor de la garantía de lucro cesante (I) para luego referir en concreto cómo resolvió la Corte la pregunta sobre la prescripción en la garantía de lucro cesante (II).
Los seguros y la protección del medio ambiente
Authors: Guido Villegas Sergio
Published: March 2018

El ámbito del seguro ha propuesto alternativas para abordar el daño ambiental, pero debemos cuestionarnos si son suficientes y adecuadas para enfrentar los retos y las complejidades de esa materia. En este sentido, se han analizado los seguros de daños ambientales y los seguros de responsabilidad civil por daños ambientales para evidenciar si estos son las figuras jurídicas idóneas o si por el contrario resultan insuficientes. Asimismo, se señalan algunos otros medios alternativos de dispersión de riesgo menos conocidos, pero cuyo radio de acción es más amplio que el del seguro y parecen una mejor herramienta para paliar las consecuencias del daño ambiental.
El futuro marco legal para la protección del acceso a los datos
Authors: Puldain Salvador Virginia
Published: March 2018

El presente trabajo busca profundizar en el análisis de “la protección de datos” y los nuevos cambios tecnológicos. Los datos son un recurso fundamental para el crecimiento económico de las naciones y progreso de las sociedades. Las nuevas tecnologías están modificando la forma de informarnos, comunicarnos y relacionarnos. El libre flujo de datos se impone. No obstante, debemos garantizar su protección logrando que la accesibilidad se encuentre debidamente regulada por las autoridades nacionales de cada país. Debemos pensar en la creación de marcos legales que brinden mayor seguridad jurídica en lo que se ha dado en llamar la economía de datos
Robots at Work: Where Do We Fit?
Authors: Brown Alan S.
Published: March 2018

This article presents a dilemma related to increasing use of robots at work. Artificial intelligence could erase jobs or create them, but economists agree that a new generation of smart machines will alter the rules of employment. Two emerging technologies that will help robots learn even faster are cloud robotics and deep learning, an advanced type of machine learning that allows robots to learn things that humans understand tacitly. However, robots require controlled environments, while humans, who are more flexible, can cope with unstructured tasks. That same adaptability is essential for medical technicians, plumbers, electricians, and many other middle-skill jobs. The experts expect pressures on middle-skill jobs to eventually reverse because these jobs combine not only knowledge, but also adaptability, problem solving, common sense, and the ability to communicate with other people. Businesses are already pairing human flexibility with mechanical precision.
The Little Rocket Engine That Could
Authors: Freiherr Greg
Published: March 2018

This paper highlights advancements of a research team in the field of miniature spacecrafts and development and advantages of CubeStats. CubeSats are space age hitchhikers, that is, miniature spacecraft that fly into orbit aboard rockets whose primary payloads are full-size satellites. Paulo Lozano and his team at MIT’s Space Propulsion Lab have developed a unique kind of rocket engine for these microsatellites. The trick to building a successful ion electrospray propulsion system is to increase thrust density by jamming together as many emitters as possible. Electrospray engines also differ greatly from another form of ion propulsion, plasma ion, which also eschews chemical combustion for the efficiency of the electron. A big advantage, when asking for permission to hitchhike a ride into orbit, is that ion electrospray propulsion engines cannot explode and destroy a rocket’s primary payload. A second advantage of ion engines is their modularity and, consequently, scalability.
Re-Engineering What We Eat
Authors: Goudarzi Sara
Published: March 2018

This article explores the need and ways to re-engineer plants and animals to provide a growing population with enough to eat. Some researchers have taken beef production inside the walls of a laboratory. One area that researchers are still working on with lab-grown meat is the taste—a complex combination of proteins, glycosylated proteins, and other compounds in the fat. Other researchers suggest the best way to produce animals and plants faster while using fewer resources is to embrace genetically modified and genetically edited foods. Researchers also are currently working on incorporating infrared cookers that cook the food as it prints, which would give users very precise control over the process. While countertop food printers may take the home cook one step further from the farm, it could also have some unexpected environmental benefits. Whether through tinkering with genes, growing foods in laboratories, or preparing them through printers or robots, technologies revolving around food are undergoing rapid research and development.
Hardware as for Teaching Modeling and Control
Authors: Steinmeyer Joseph D. , White Jacob K.
Published: March 2018

This article explores the introduction and use of new control classes that focus as much on modeling as on control. The paper describes several aspects of design problems with an emphasis on how to keep the process pedagogically efficient. The introductory classes in newer engineering curricula, at MIT and elsewhere, seek to empower students by avoiding highly customized devices, and instead rely on collections of easily composed and readily available sensors, actuators, and micro-controllers. The 15-week on-campus modeling and control class begins with classical material, discrete- and continuous-time transfer function modeling combined with PID and lead-lag controllers. With a combination of guidance and insights gained from constructing their artefacts, students determine a set of experiments and measurements that inform a model. Then they focus on designing and testing controllers, while answering impromptu questions from the roaming staff members.
A Natural Fit
Authors: Siegel R.P.
Published: March 2018

This article review uses and advancements of different symbiotic arrangements in industrial ecosystem. A unique industrial park in the town of Kalundborg, Denmark is known as the Kalundborg Symbiosis. It is a community of eight companies that cooperate with each other to everyone’s benefit, because one company’s waste becomes another’s feedstock. The relationship increases efficiency and reduces waste-handling need. The result is an industrial cluster that has reduced its environmental footprint and improved the bottom line of each of the participating companies. There has been a formation of Symbiosis Center Denmark and a national task force that conducted a feasibility study to explore additional opportunities for the Symbiosis concept beyond Kalundborg. The study looked primarily at manufacturing, but it mentioned that other industries, such as food and beverage processing and construction, could also benefit from symbiotic arrangements. The advantages include greater productivity, lower costs, and reduced waste.
The Water Trade
Authors: Webber Michael E.
Published: March 2018

This article discusses increasing use of energy water due to increasing unavailability of fresh water. There has been an increasing demand for energy and water even faster than population increase, driven by economic growth on top of the population growth. The increased energy intensity of water has several different components, including stricter water/wastewater treatment standards, deeper aquifer production, long-haul pipelines, and desalination. Each of those elements is more energy intensive than conventional piped water today, and seems to be a more common option moving forward. Rapid desalination growth is also occurring in China, where booming industrial activity is straining water supplies that serve the world’s largest population. While trading energy for water makes a lot of sense in places such as the Middle East or Libya, where there is an abundance of energy and a scarcity of freshwater, that trade-off is not obviously an excellent value in places such as the United Kingdom or the United States, where other cost-effective options such as water conservation, graywater capture, and water reuse might be available.