bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The NALCN regulator UNC-80 functions in a subset of interneurons to affectC. elegansavoidance response to the plant hormone methyl salicylate
Authors: Zhou Chuanman , Luo Jintao , He Xiaohui , Zhou Qian , He Yunxia , Wang Xiaoqin , Ma Long
Published: June 2019

NALCN (Na+leakchannel,non-selective), UNC80 and UNC79 form a non-selective, voltage-independent cation channel complex that affects a broad array of neuronal activities. The molecular and neuronal mechanisms underlying the functions of the NALCN complex remain unclear. In a screen forCaenorhabditis elegansmutants with defective avoidance response to the plant hormone methyl salicylate (MeSa), we isolated novel loss-of-function (lf) mutations inunc-80andunc-79.unc-80andunc-79lf mutants exhibited defective MeSa avoidance but wild type-like responses to other odorants. Lf mutants ofC. elegans nca/NALCNexhibited similar MeSa-specific avoidance defect, while lf mutants of the NALCN regulatory genenlf-1avoided MeSa like wild type. Using fluorescent transgenic animals, we identified a subset ofunc-80-expressing neurons. Neuron-specific transgene rescue and knockdown experiments suggest that a subset of interneurons, primarily including AVA, AVE and AVG, might play a necessary and sufficient role in mediatingunc-80regulation of the MeSa avoidance. We found thatunc-79was expressed in neurons largely overlapping those expressingunc-80, which is supported by the rescue ofunc-80(lf)defects using anunc-80transgene driven by anunc-79promoter. We also suggest thatC. eleganslocomotion responds more sensitively to the changes of expression levels ofNALCN-related genes than the MeSa avoidance does. Together, our results identified NALCN-related genes as key regulators of the MeSa avoidance behavior and provided novel genetic and neuronal insights into the function of the NALCN channel complex.

Author summary

NALCN (Na+leakchannel,non-selective) is a non-selective, voltage-independent cation channel that affects multiple neuronal activities and behaviors. Mutations in NALCN and its regulator UNC80 can cause serious neurological diseases. The regulation and function of the NALCN channel complex remain to be understood. From a genetic screen, we surprisingly found that the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansrequires NALCN and its two regulators UNC-80 and UNC-79 to escape from the plant stress hormone methyl salicylate (MeSa). Using methods including transgenic neuronal labeling, rescues and knockdowns, we found thatunc-80-expression in a subset of head interneurons, including AVA, AVE and AVG, might be necessary and sufficient to elicit the MeSa avoidance response. We also found thatunc-79functions in overlapping neurons asunc-80to regulateC. elegansbehaviors. Our findings provide novel molecular and neuronal mechanisms for understanding the regulation and function of the NALCN channel complex.
The relative transmissibility of shigellosis among male and female individuals in Hubei Province, China: a modelling study
Authors: Zhao Zeyu , Chen Qi , Zhao Bin , Hannah Mikah Ngwanguong , Wang Ning , Wang Yuxin , Xuan Xianfa , Rui Jia , Chu Meijie , Wang Yao , Liu Xingchun , Ran An , Pan Lili , Chiang Yi-Chen , Su Yanhua , Zhao Benhua , Chen Tianmu
Published: June 2019

Objective

Shigellosis has been a heavy burden in China. However, its relative transmissibility in male and female individuals remains unclear.

Method

A sex-based Susceptible–Exposed–Infectious/Asymptomatic–Recovered (SEIAR) model was applied to explore the dataset of reported shigellosis cases built by Hubei Province from 2005 to 2017. Two indicators, secondary attack rate (SAR) and relative ratio of SAR between males and females, were developed to assess the relative transmissibility in males and females.

Results

The number of cases and reported incidences in males and females demonstrated a significant decreasing trend (Male trend:χ2= 11.268,P= 0.001, Female trend:χ2= 11.144,P= 0.001). SEIAR model had a great fitting effect with the data of shigellosis (P< 0.001). Our simulation revealed that, when parameterβfm= 0, the greatest decrease in cases were obtained for different genders. The median value forSARmmwas 2.3225 × 10−8(Range: 1.7574 × 10−8– 3.8565 × 10−8),SARmfwas 2.5729 × 10−8(Range: 1.3772 × 10−8– 3.2773 × 10−8),SARfmwas 2.7630 × 10−8(Range: 1.8387 × 10−8– 4.2638 × 10−8) andSARffwas 2.1061 × 10−8(Range: 1.0201 × 10−8– 3.2140 × 10−8). The median value of relative ratio calculated bySARinmmversus (vs)mfwas 0.93 (Range: 0.75 – 1.47),mmvsfmwas 0.90 (Range: 0.41 – 1.81),mmvsffwas 1.07 (Range: 0.55 – 2.93),mfvsfmwas 0.99 (Range: 0.32 – 1.25),mfvsffwas 1.17 (Range: 0.43 – 3.21) andffvsfmwas 0.75 (Range: 0.35 – 1.06).

Conclusion

Transmissibility of shigellosis is different among male and female individuals. Shigellosis seems to be more transmissible in males than in females.

Author summary

Shigellosis, also known as bacillary dysentery, is an infectious disease caused by the genusShigella spp. Developing countries have high disease burden of shigellosis. However, its relative transmissibility in male and female individuals remains unclear. In this study, we employed a mathematical model to explore the dataset of reported shigellosis cases built by Hubei Province, China from 2005 to 2017. Two indicators, secondary attack rate (SAR) and relative ratio of SAR between males and females, were developed to assess the relative transmissibility in males and females. We found that shigellosis has medium transmissibility among male and female individuals. The disease seems to be more transmissible in males than in females.
KLF4 protein stability regulated by interaction with pluripotency transcription factors overrides transcriptional control
Authors: Dhaliwal Navroop K. , Abatti Luis E. , Mitchell Jennifer A.
Published: June 2019

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are regulated by a network of transcription factors that maintain the pluripotent state. Differentiation relies on down-regulation of pluripotency transcription factors disrupting this network. While investigating transcriptional regulation of the pluripotency transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 4 (Klf4), we observed that homozygous deletion of distal enhancers caused a 17-fold decrease in Klf4 transcript but surprisingly decreased protein levels by less than twofold, indicating that posttranscriptional control of KLF4 protein overrides transcriptional control. The lack of sensitivity of KLF4 to transcription is due to high protein stability (half-life >24 h). This stability is context-dependent and is disrupted during differentiation, as evidenced by a shift to a half-life of <2 h. KLF4 protein stability is maintained through interaction with other pluripotency transcription factors (NANOG, SOX2, and STAT3) that together facilitate association of KLF4 with RNA polymerase II. In addition, the KLF4 DNA-binding and transactivation domains are required for optimal KLF4 protein stability. Posttranslational modification of KLF4 destabilizes the protein as cells exit the pluripotent state, and mutations that prevent this destabilization also prevent differentiation. These data indicate that the core pluripotency transcription factors are integrated by posttranslational mechanisms to maintain the pluripotent state and identify mutations that increase KLF4 protein stability while maintaining transcription factor function.
Enhancement of LIN28B-induced hematopoietic reprogramming by IGF2BP3
Authors: Wang Saifeng , Chim Bryan , Su Yijun , Khil Pavel , Wong Madeline , Wang Xiantao , Foroushani Amir , Smith Patrick T. , Liu Xiuhuai , Li Rui , Ganesan Sundar , Kanellopoulou Chrysi , Hafner Markus , Muljo Stefan A.
Published: June 2019

Fetal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) hold promise to cure a wide array of hematological diseases, and we previously found a role for the RNA-binding protein (RBP) Lin28b in respecifying adult HSPCs to resemble their fetal counterparts. Here we show by single-cell RNA sequencing that Lin28b alone was insufficient for complete reprogramming of gene expression from the adult toward the fetal pattern. Using proteomics and in situ analyses, we found that Lin28b (and its closely related paralog, Lin28a) directly interacted with Igf2bp3, another RBP, and their enforced co-expression in adult HSPCs reactivated fetal-like B-cell development in vivo more efficiently than either factor alone. In B-cell progenitors, Lin28b and Igf2bp3 jointly stabilized thousands of mRNAs by binding at the same sites, including those of the B-cell regulatorsPax5andArid3aas well asIgf2bp3mRNA itself, forming an autoregulatory loop. Our results suggest that Lin28b and Igf2bp3 are at the center of a gene regulatory network that mediates the fetal–adult hematopoietic switch. A method to efficiently generate induced fetal-like hematopoietic stem cells (ifHSCs) will facilitate basic studies of their biology and possibly pave a path toward their clinical application.
Deficiency of nucleotide excision repair is associated with mutational signature observed in cancer
Authors: Jager Myrthe , Blokzijl Francis , Kuijk Ewart , Bertl Johanna , Vougioukalaki Maria , Janssen Roel , Besselink Nicolle , Boymans Sander , de Ligt Joep , Pedersen Jakob Skou , Hoeijmakers Jan , Pothof Joris , van Boxtel Ruben , Cuppen Edwin
Published: June 2019

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is one of the main DNA repair pathways that protect cells against genomic damage. Disruption of this pathway can contribute to the development of cancer and accelerate aging. Mutational characteristics of NER-deficiency may reveal important diagnostic opportunities, as tumors deficient in NER are more sensitive to certain treatments. Here, we analyzed the genome-wide somatic mutational profiles of adult stem cells (ASCs) from NER-deficient Ercc1−/Δ mice. Our results indicate that NER-deficiency increases the base substitution load twofold in liver but not in small intestinal ASCs, which coincides with the tissue-specific aging pathology observed in these mice. Moreover, NER-deficient ASCs of both tissues show an increased contribution of Signature 8 mutations, which is a mutational pattern with unknown etiology that is recurrently observed in various cancer types. The scattered genomic distribution of the base substitutions indicates that deficiency of global-genome NER (GG-NER) underlies the observed mutational consequences. In line with this, we observe increased Signature 8 mutations in a GG-NER-deficient human organoid culture, in which XPC was deleted using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing. Furthermore, genomes of NER-deficient breast tumors show an increased contribution of Signature 8 mutations compared with NER-proficient tumors. Elevated levels of Signature 8 mutations could therefore contribute to a predictor of NER-deficiency based on a patient's mutational profile.
Design-airworthiness integration method for general aviation aircraft during early development stage
Authors: Tyan Maxim , Yoon Jungwon , Nguyen Nhu Van , Lee Jae-Woo , Kim Sangho
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Major changes of an aircraft configuration are conducted during the early design stage. It is important to include the airworthiness regulations at this stage while there is extensive freedom for designing. The purpose of this paper is to introduce an efficient design framework that integrates airworthiness guidelines and documentation at the early design stage.

Design/methodology/approach

A new design and optimization process is proposed that logically includes the airworthiness regulations as design parameters and constraints by constructing a certification database. The design framework comprises requirements analysis, preliminary sizing, conceptual design synthesis and loads analysis. A design certification relation table (DCRT) describes the legal regulations in terms of parameters and values suitable for use in design optimization.

Findings

The developed framework has been validated and demonstrated for the design of a Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 23 four-seater small aircraft. The validation results show an acceptable level of accuracy to be applied during the early design stage. The total mass minimization problem has been successfully solved while satisfying all the design requirements and certification constraints specified in the DCRT. Moreover, successful compliance with FAR 23 subpart C is demonstrated. The proposed method is a useful tool for design optimization and compliance verifications during the early stages of aircraft development.

Practical implications

The new certification database proposed in this research makes it simpler for engineers to access a large amount of legal documentation related to airworthiness regulations and provides a link between the regulation text and actual design parameters and their bounds.

Originality/value

The proposed design optimization framework integrates the certification database that is built of several types of legal documents such as regulations, advisory circulars and standards. The Engineering Requirements and Guide summarizes all the documents and design requirements into a single document. The DCRT is created as a summary table that indicates the design parameters affected by a given regulation(s), the design stage at which the parameter can be evaluated and its value bounds. The introduction of the certification database into the design optimization framework significantly reduces the engineer’s load related for airworthiness regulations.
Digital holography interferometry for measuring the mass diffusion coefficients of N2 in RP-3 and RP-5 jet fuels
Authors: Feng Shiyu , Li Chaoyue , Peng Xiaotian , Shao Lei , Liu Weihua
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to measure the mass diffusion coefficient of nitrogen in jet fuel using digital holography interferometry for cost-effective designing and modeling of the aircraft tank inerting system.

Design/methodology/approach

The mass diffusion coefficients of N2 in RP-3 and RP-5 jet fuels were measured by digital holography interferometry at temperatures ranging from 278.15 to 343.15 K. The Arrhenius equation is used to adequately describe the relationship between mass diffusion coefficients and temperature. The viscosities of RP-3 and RP-5 jet fuels were also measured to examine the accuracy of the Stokes–Einstein model in calculating mass diffusion coefficients.

Findings

As temperature increases from 278.15 to 343.15 K, the mass diffusion coefficients increase 4.23-fold for N2 in RP-3 jet fuel and 5.13-fold for N2 in RP-5 jet fuel. The value of Dµ/T is not constant as the Stokes–Einstein equation expressed, but is a weak linear function of temperature.

Practical implications

A more accurate diffusion model is proposed by fitting the measured Dµ/T with the temperature and calculating the mass diffusion coefficients of N2 in RP-3 and RP-5 jet fuels within 10 per cent relative deviation.

Originality/value

A measurement system for mass diffusion coefficients of N2 in RP-3 and RP-5 jet fuels was constructed based on the digital holography interferometry. The mass diffusion coefficient can be expressed by a uniform polynomial function of temperature and viscosity.
Numerical analysis of hub cavity leakage
Authors: Xia Ye , Xie Yadong , Li Danwang , Wang Wenjie
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to predict the effect of the hub cavity leakage on the overall performance with numerical simulations in the fan/booster of a high bypass ratio turbofan engine.

Design/methodology/approach

Simulations are conducted for leakage at the fan, the outlet of guide vane and the three-stage booster, as well as hub leakage (contain cavities and sealing). The results obtained are compared to the corresponding simulations without hub leakage.

Findings

The rotor/stator interaction locations are evaluated to discover a better location. The results show that the seal tooth structure produces secondary flow and turbulence in the root of blade suction surface, which increases the aerodynamic loss. The sealing clearance should be controlled to shrink the turbulent region and decrease the leakage.

Practical implications

This work can provide a theoretical guidance and technical support for the compressor design, which avoid many repeated manufactures and reduce waste of resources.

Originality/value

This work improves the understanding of the impact mechanism of hub cavity leakage on the performance when the clearance size of seal is variable.
Effect of synchronous web-based teaching combined with visually creative teaching under the background of information science
Authors: Li Ruan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The paper aims to study the effects of the combination of synchronous Web-based teaching with visually creative teaching on art students’ creativity. The twenty-first century is the society of information technology and knowledge-based economy. To cope with the information society, teaching methods would be changed. Traditional chalk and talk can no longer adapt to the changing society. In addition to passing down the tradition, new ideas should also be introduced. In the informational age, the internet becomes an essential living element and synchronous Web-based teaching breaks through the obstacle of space, provides instant and multiple communication channels and creates alternative creativity learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

With experimental design, totally, 208 students in Fujian University of Technology, as the research objects, were led to a 15-week (3 hours per week for total 45 hours) experimental teaching. The study uses analysis of variance for discussing the effect of synchronous Web-based teaching on art students’ creativity and further understanding the effect of the combination of synchronous Web-based teaching with visually creative teaching on art students’ creativity.

Findings

The research results show significant effects of synchronous Web-based teaching on creativity, visually creative teaching on creativity and the combination of synchronous Web-based teaching with visually creative teaching on the promotion of creativity.

Research limitations/implications

First, the sample size taken in this study was not large enough to fully reflect the results of the study. The survey sample didn’t cover all the major cities in China, which had a small coverage and couldn’t reflect the research situation of the whole country. Second, the evaluation criteria for artistic students’ creativity were too broad. More specific evaluation rules should be set and the creativity standards should be graded to better guide the implementation of art courses and the cultivation of students’ creativity.

Practical implications

The synchronous Web-based learning environment provides favorable individual thinking space to effectively reduce disturbance among classmates. Synchronous Web-based teaching shares sound, pictures and even films with each other to enrich the learning media. What is more, teachers would be more convenient and fast to deal with materials or handouts or rapidly updating materials and avoiding the loss of handouts.

Originality/value

This paper studied the effects of the combination of synchronous Web-based teaching with visually creative teaching on art students’ creativity, which was a meaningful and innovative topic. And this study can provide more enlightenment and reference for future education.
Organizational and Talent attributes of the Indian IT industry
Authors: Cherian Kelitha , Kamalanabhan T.J.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study is a comparative organizational analysis of the four subsectors of the Indian information technology (IT) industry, namely, IT service (ITS), business process outsourcing (BPO), software products services (SPS) and engineering and R&D (ER&D). The purpose of this paper is to empirically identify the cross-sectorial attributes, organizational characteristics and the talent best suited to it.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a qualitative research design with semi-structured interviews of 17 industry experts.

Findings

Findings suggest there are differences in the internal organization of each subsector and this influences the talent attracted toward it. ITS and BPO are perceived as customer driven sectors where technology is an enabler to facilitate smooth functioning of customer operations. Conversely, technology is the core factor that drives SPS and ER&D. Similar observations and differences in the design, environment, individual motives and competencies are identified. The study also identified the inter-relationships between organizational characteristics, task and social structures in the IT industry using Perrow’s organizational theory.

Research limitations/implications

The findings identify contextual dimensions and shared patterns that exist between the subsectors. At the same time, it distinguishes each subsector in terms of observable and objective characteristics. Significantly, the study highlights the inter-relationships between technology, task, raw material, goal and social interactions. However, the authors stop short of framing hypotheses to test the relationships identified here.

Originality/value

This cross-sectorial study delineates between the four subsectors and provides a foundation for pursuing future investigations in the right direction. This attempt to systematically analyze and compare all the subsectors of the IT industry simultaneously is a distinctive approach. The sectorial diversity suggests a need for talent management practices that will fit the unique characteristics of each subsector.
Enablers of entrepreneurial self-efficacy in a developing country
Authors: Memon Maqsood , Soomro Bahadur Ali , Shah Naimatullah
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) in a developing country (Pakistan). The literature reports that entrepreneurship education does not enhance the level of ESE of the students. In the same vein, it is strongly emphasized that self-efficacy is the basic element in the entrepreneur’s undertakings. However, limited research has been conducted on the subject and the factors that impact ESE in the context of developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was adopted, and data were collected from the 564 target respondents of different private and public universities of Pakistan. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate the association between the variables of the conceptual model.

Findings

This study found a positive and significant impact of the predictors, entrepreneurial knowledge, entrepreneurial experiences, instrumental readiness and risk propensity on ESE among the students.

Practical implications

The findings of the study will help in developing self-efficacy for entrepreneurship in young potential entrepreneurs. They will also assist higher education management in developing and designing entrepreneurship academic curriculum and programs for the achievement of program learning outcomes. In addition, the findings will contribute to the literature of entrepreneurship and self-efficacy factors in the context of the developing country.

Originality/value

The results of the study confirm empirically tested factors that have a positive impact on ESE in a developing country setting.
Analytical considerations of thermal storage and interface evolution of a PCM with/without porous media
Authors: Xu Huijin , Wang Yan , Han Xingchao
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Phase change energy storage is an important solution for overcoming human energy crisis. This study aims to present an evaluation for the thermal performances of a phase change material (PCM) and a PCM–metal foam composite. Effects of pore size, pore density, thermal conductivity of solid structure and mushy region on the thermal storage process are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, temperature, flow field and solid–liquid interface of a PCM with or without porous media were theoretically assessed. The influences of basic parameters on the melting process were analyzed. A PCM thermal storage device with a metal foam composite is designed and a thermodynamic analysis for it is conducted. The optimal PCM temperature and the optimal HTF temperature in the metal foam-enhanced thermal storage device are derived.

Findings

The results show that the solid–liquid interface of pure PCM is a line area and that of the mixture PCM is a mushy area. The natural convection in the melting liquid is intensive for a PCM without porous medium. The porous medium weakens the natural convection and makes the temperature field, flow field and solid–liquid interface distribution more homogeneous. The metal foam can greatly improve the heat storage rate of a PCM.

Originality/value

Thermal storage rate of a PCM is compared with that of a PCM–metal foam composite. A thermal analysis is performed on the multi-layered parallel-plate thermal storage device with a PCM embedded in a highly conductive porous medium, and an optimal melting temperature is obtained with the exergy optimization. The heat transfer enhancement with metal foams proved to be necessary for the thermal storage application.
Employment targeting in a frictional labor market
Authors: Ghate Chetan , Mazumder Debojyoti
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Governments in both developing and developed economies play an active role in labor markets in the form of providing both formal public sector jobs and employment through public workfare programs. The authors refer to this as employment targeting. The purpose of the paper is to consider different labor market effects of employment targeting in a stylized model of a developing economy. In the context of a simple search and matching friction model, the authors show that the propensity for the public sector to target more employment can increase the unemployment rate in the economy and lead to an increase in the size of the informal sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is an application of a search and matching model of labor market frictions, where agents have heterogeneous abilities. The authors introduce a public sector alongside the private sector in the economy. Wage in the private sector is determined through Nash bargaining, whereas the public sector wage is exogenously fixed. In this setup, the public sector hiring rate influences private sector job creation and hence the overall employment rate of the economy. As an extension, the authors model the informal sector coupled with the other two sectors. This resembles developing economies. Then, the authors check the overall labor market effects of employment targeting through public sector intervention.

Findings

In the context of a simple search and matching friction model with heterogeneous agents, the authors show that the propensity for the public sector to target more employment can increase the unemployment rate in the economy and lead to an increase in the size of the informal sector. Employment targeting can, therefore, have perverse effects on labor market outcomes. The authors also find that it is possible that the private sector wage falls as a result of an increase in the public sector hiring rate, which leads to more job creation in the private sector.

Originality/value

What is less understood in the literature is the impact of employment targeting on the size of the informal sector in developing economies. The authors fill this gap and show that public sector intervention can have perverse effects on overall job creation and the size of the informal sector. Moreover, a decrease in the private sector wage due to a rise in public sector hiring reverses the consensus findings in the search and matching literature which show that an increase in public sector employment disincentivizes private sector vacancy postings.
Experimental investigation of zeolite and limestone powder on self-compacting concrete strength after early loading
Authors: Nejati Faeze , Ahmadi Samira , Edalatpanah S.A.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Modern construction methods have been developed with the goal of reducing construction time as much as possible, which results in some situations during construction and within the first few days after it, when concrete is subjected to exceptionally high loads. The precast concrete, which is the concrete in very early ages, may result in severe cracks or damages. In conventional construction projects, sometimes working with concrete, which had not reached its ultimate strength, is an unavoidable matter of fact. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers in the field of construction materials have done their best to make some changes in the different parts of the concrete in order to bring about reforms, based on the existing needs, and achieve new quality and primacy from concrete. One kind of concrete, the emergence of which dates back to many years ago, is self-compacting concrete. Thanks to its high efficiency for the parts with complex forms of high-density steel, this kind of concrete suggests new prospects.

Findings

This study aims at evaluating the effect of early loads on the 28-day compressive strength of concretes with zeolite and limestone powder under different curing conditions (wet or dry). In this regard, two self-compacting concrete mix designs with the same ratio of water to cementations materials and 0.4 percent and 10 percent zeolite have been considered; therefore, concrete cube samples with zeolite and limestone powder in different curing conditions at ages of three, one and seven days under preloading with 80–90 percent of compressive strength are damaged, and after curing in different conditions, their 28-day compressive strength is measured. According to the results, the recovery of the 28-day compressive strength of damaged samples, compared to that of intact samples, is possible in all curing conditions. The experiments that have been performed on concrete samples under dry and wet curing conditions show that the full recovery of compressive strength of damaged samples compared to that of intact ones happened only in preloaded samples at the age of one days, and in other ages (three and seven days) the 28-day strength reduction has occurred in damaged samples compared to the that in intact samples. The results of concrete samples with zeolite and without limestone powder at the age of one day indicate the greatest impact on other samples on the 28-day compressive strength of damaged samples compared to that of intact ones, occurring under dry condition.

Originality/value

This research analyzed and studied the influence under wet and dry curing conditions and the presence of limestone powder and zeolite fillers in recovering of the 28-day compressive strength of preloaded concrete samples at early stages (one, three and seven days) after the construction of the concrete.
Contact status between seal ring and its support: crucial factor in hydrostatic mechanical face seal
Authors: He Qiang , Huang Weifeng , Liu Ying , Liu Xiangfeng , Li Yongjian , Wang Yuming
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influence of the contact status between the seal ring and its support on the seal performance in hydrostatic mechanical face seal.

Design/methodology/approach

A thermal fluid-solid interaction (TFSI) model of hydrostatic mechanical face seal is further developed, in which the multi-body contacts between components are particularly given more attention. The numerical models of the flow field and complete seal assemblies are developed. A specific energy equation is obtained to simplify the calculation of film temperature. Based on the mechanism for the continuity condition of the physical quantities at the fluid–solid interface, the TFSI model uses an on-line iterative coupling method.

Findings

The contact status between seal ring and its support affects the seal performance significantly. The rotating ring and the stationary ring contribute differently because of the contact status difference.

Originality/value

The contact status between the seal ring and the ring seat is key to gain an insight into the performance of the hydrostatic mechanical face seal thus provides guidance for mechanical seal design.
Awareness and challenges of building information modelling (BIM) implementation in the Yemen construction industry
Authors: Gamil Yaser , Rahman Ismail Abd Rahman
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the awareness of construction practitioners of the adoption of building information modeling (BIM) and identification of the dominant challenges of implementing BIM in the life cycle of a construction project.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was sequentially conducted in the following in three main phases: a preliminary study of archival literature, where a rigorous study of the literature was conducted to identify the challenges of adopting BIM in the construction industry which was to be applied later to the challenges in the case of the Yemen construction industry; data collection, where data were collected using a questionnaire survey targeting 123 Yemeni construction practitioners working in managerial and technical levels; and data analysis, where data were analyzed using descriptive analysis by calculating the average index and standard deviations. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software.

Findings

The results show that the most critical challenges to adopt BIM are financial restrictions, lack of BIM knowledge, improper introduction of BIM concepts, lack of awareness of BIM benefits and no governmental enforcement. The study recommends policymakers and construction players to consider the challenges for a better introduction of BIM in the Yemen construction industry.

Research limitations/implications

This research focuses on the awareness and challenges of implementing BIM in the Yemen construction industry.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will help policymakers develop more constructive strategies to reduce the challenges and introduce governmental agendas towards the widespread use of the BIM concept and technology in the Yemen construction industry. The study suggested an in-depth investigation into the current curriculum in the Yemen universities and recommended the introduction of BIM concept in engineering courses.

Social implications

This study focused on the challenges of implementing BIM and the role of the social aspect in the issue.

Originality/value

From the extensive review of previous findings, this paper concentrates on the challenged to the implementation of BIM in the Yemen construction industry. There are lack of investigative studies that focus on the introduction of new technologies to advance the Yemen construction sector. Therefore, the findings help the authority to diagnose and address the sources of these challenges and introduce new solutions to the industry.
Earliness of SME internationalizationand performance
Authors: Santhosh Channappa
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the mediating effects of Chief Executive officer (CEO) attributes on the earliness of internationalization and performance in context of Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed framework is tested through analysis of a sample of 102 internationalized SMEs of the engineering industry in the Bangalore city region of India.

Findings

Results highlight that CEOs age and educational background moderates between early internationalization and performance in the Indian SME context.

Practical implications

Overall results facilitate in leveraging the decision-maker’s capabilities to successfully formulate and strategize their international marketing efforts to achieve higher performance.

Originality/value

The study enriches the importance of CEO attributes in influencing the early internationalization and degree of internationalization in the context of an emerging economy where studies are limited.
Financial stability: does social activism matter?
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study investigate the impact of social activism on financial system stability.

Design/methodology/approach

Financial stability was analysed from two complementary perspectives: bank-led financial stability and financial system stability driven by sector-wide credit supply. Social activism was analysed from three perspectives: gender equality advocacy, environmental sustainability advocacy and social protection advocacy.

Findings

The findings reveal that gender equality and environmental sustainability advocacy have significant positive effects for financial stability, whereas social protection advocacy has a significant negative effect for financial stability. In addition, social activism has negative effects for financial stability in the post-2008 financial crisis era. Finally, there are differential effects for country-groups, for instance, social activism strongly improves bank-led financial stability in African countries and for BLEND countries (countries that are eligible for International Development Association (IDA) borrowing based on per capita income levels and are also creditworthy for some borrowing from the International Bank of Restructuring and Development). The findings are relevant for the on-going debate about whether social inclusivity and activism has any economic value for the stability of businesses and the financial system. The findings have implications.

Research limitations/implications

The implication for policy-making is that the pressure on, or commitment of, financial institutions to be socially inclusive in all social matters such as gender equality, environmental sustainability and social protection does not guarantee stability in the financial system – whether bank-led financial stability or sector-wide financial stability. Therefore, regulators should ensure that financial institutions exercise careful discretion when adjusting their risk models to include all “social risk” factors amidst the recent pressure on corporations to be socially inclusive.

Practical implications

Another implication for business practice is that business leaders in financial institutions should identify the optimal level of social inclusivity that improves the stability of their corporations, because it would seem counterproductive if business leaders adopt full-scale social inclusion (or considerations) that subsequently make their corporations financially unstable which could lead to loss of shareholders wealth.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to investigate the impact of social activism on financial stability to determine whether greater social activism promotes stability or instability in the financial system.
A narrative study of newly graduated registered Swedish nurses’ establishment in the profession and the portrayal of a healthcare organisation
Authors: Blomberg Helena , Welander Jonas
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the participants talk about their experiences as newly graduated nurses, managers and nursing colleagues in the context of “newcomers’ establishment in the profession” and to identify how they portray the healthcare organisation in their narratives.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative approach is used to reveal and illustrate three perspectives on the topic “new-comers’ establishment”. In total, 14 interviews are conducted with 4 managers, 4 nursing colleagues and 6 newly graduated registered nurses. The focus of this study is how a healthcare organisation embraces and retains newly graduated registered nurses and how this is perceived.

Findings

The newcomers’ establishment is facilitated by an orientation programme and an orientation period, individual support provided by managers and colleagues, and the creation of trust to boost confidence in nursing situations. The organisation is portrayed as struggling with high workloads, nursing shortages, high levels of responsibility and showing concern and an interest in the newcomer. The parties criticise the university for not teaching the most basic knowledge, thereby revealing the existence of a theory-practice gap.

Originality/value

The research shows how building trust amongst the organisation’s members is essential for creating a satisfying workplace and the retention of newly graduated registered nurses. Empirical descriptions of newly graduated nurses, managers and nursing colleagues experiences of “newcomers establishment” are rare, which is why the description of such “establishment” in this research increases the value of the paper.
Persuasive speech in multi-professional change facilitation meetings
Authors: Komulainen Hanna , Mertaniemi Elisa , Lunkka Nina , Jansson Noora , Meriläinen Merja , Wiik Heikki , Suhonen Marjo
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe persuasive speech and discourses in multi-professional organizational change facilitation meetings at a hospital through rhetorical discourse analysis. Previous research has often considered organizational change to be a managerial issue, with other employees given the rather passive role of implementators. This study takes an alternative approach in assuming that organizational change could benefit by involving those who are most familiar with the tasks to be changed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a qualitative, case study approach and focused on the construction of a hospitalist model within multi-professional change facilitation meetings. Eight videos of these multi-professional change facilitation meetings – which occurred between January and September 2017 – were observed and the material was analyzed by rhetorical discourse analysis. An average of 10–20 actors from different professional groups participated in the meetings. The change actors comprised physicians, nursing staff and nursing managers, along with a secretary and hospitalist. The meetings were conducted by a change facilitator.

Findings

The persuasive speech in the analyzed organizational change meetings occurred within five distinct discourses: constructing the change together, positive feedback, strategic change in speech, patient perspective and driving change. The content of these discourses revealed topics that are relevant to persuading members of healthcare organizations to adopt a planned change.

Originality/value

The presented research provides new knowledge about how persuasive speech is used in organizational change and describes the discourses in which persuasive speech is used in a healthcare context.
Entrepreneurial passion and venture performance: a proposed framework
Authors: Iyortsuun Akuraun Shadrach , Nmadu Mwuese Theresa , Dakung Reuel , Gajere Monica C.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to attempt to synthesize the evidence in literature on the link between passion and passion outcomes to propose a parsimonious framework of entrepreneurial passion and venture performance based on the theory of social cognition, identity and self-regulation.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed review of empirical and conceptual articles related to the topic was the adopted methodology. An eclectic synthesis of the evidence guided the development of the framework as proposed.

Findings

Empirical review of the related studies reveals that the link between entrepreneurial passion and venture performance is distal. Based on the theoretical foundation of the study, entrepreneurial passion is proposed to have a direct link on venture performance and an indirect link mediated by goal-setting, entrepreneurial behavior and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Control variables proposed include age, sex, size, work experience or tenure and self-regulation or feedback.

Research limitations/implications

Entrepreneurial passion is conceived as an experienced construct conceptualized as the interaction of intense positive feeling and identity centrality associated with venture outcomes defined as opportunity recognition, venture creation/growth and threshold performance.

Practical implications

The study provides a parsimonious framework of entrepreneurial passion and venture performance that includes goals, entrepreneurial behavior and self-efficacy as mediator variables and age, sex, size, work experience or tenure and self-regulation or feedback as control variables.

Originality/value

The framework extends the ontological field of entrepreneurial passion, which can be validated by empirical research.
Exploring the moderating effect of susceptibility to emotional contagion in the crossover of work–family conflict in supervisor–subordinate dyads in India
Authors: Baral Rupashree , Sampath Pavithra
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the applicability of a crossover model of work–family conflict (WFC) in the work setting among supervisor–subordinate dyads. It examines the positive association between supervisor’s WFC and subordinate’s WFC and analyses the moderating effect of subordinate’s susceptibility to emotional contagion (SEC).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered using a questionnaire survey method and tested in 193 matched supervisor–subordinate dyads from select organisations representing the services sector in India.

Findings

The authors found a significant direct crossover path from the supervisor to his/her subordinate’s WFC. The effect of supervisor reported WFC on subordinate reported WFC was found to be strong when the subordinate displayed higher SEC with his/her supervisor.

Research limitations/implications

Examining the crossover of WFC contributes to theory by broadening crossover research to include transmission of negative experiences in the work context. This study significantly adds to emotional contagion theory by substantiating the existence of WFC contagion in supervisor–subordinate dyads. Given the constraints of cross-sectional research design, future research should replicate these findings using a larger sample in other cultural contexts as well to generalise the results. Future research should consider using longitudinal data and including information from both the supervisor and the subordinates collected at different points in time. Crossover of positive work–family experiences (e.g. work–family enrichment) and the role of other individual difference variables such as the personality of the subordinates, empathy, etc., could also be considered.

Practical implications

Supervisors should be advised of the potential adverse effects of their WFC and organisations should be made cognizance of the impact that the WFC of employees can have on their job outcomes. Organisations should provide the required formal and informal support to their employees to deal with their WFC efficiently.

Originality/value

This study has attempted to examine the crossover of WFC in supervisor–subordinate dyads and the potential effect of one of the individual difference variables namely SEC. To the best of the authors knowledge, it has rarely been examined earlier.