bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Effective and Equitable Water Allocation, Local Rice Farmer Participation and Economic Well-Being: Insights from Thailand’s Chiang Mai Province
Authors: Kosanlawit Saowalak , Soni Peeyush , Shivakoti Ganesh
Published: May 2017

This research investigates the relationship between equitable water allocation, participation in the local irrigation operation, and improved economic well-being. The study area consisted of the rice-growing districts of Doi Saket and Mae On in Thailand’s northern province Chiang Mai, where locals have adopted a participatory farmer-managed irrigation system. The samples were 150 small-scale rice farmers who were divided into four groups by their membership: community irrigation (CI); community irrigation and enterprise (CIE); and farmland location (head-end or tail-end of the irrigation canal). The findings revealed a strong relationship between the three variables. Specifically, despite less advantageous farmland locations, the tail-end CI farmers outperformed in the dry-season and annual paddy yields per household. The higher paddy yields translated into higher household earnings. The improved economic well-being of the tail-end CI farmers could be attributed to their active participation in the local irrigation operation. Another contributing factor was equitable water allocation, which is the product of the farmers’ active participation as their irrigation demands and concerns are constantly acknowledged and addressed. Importantly, the findings verified the effectiveness and usability of the participatory irrigation system in tackling the problem of inequitable water allocation between the head-end and tail-end farmers. Moreover, the participatory irrigation scheme was readily implementable since it required no additional investment, only active local participation.
Estimation of Residence Time and Transport Trajectory in Tieshangang Bay, China
Authors: Jiang Changbo , Liu Yizhuang , Long Yuannan , Wu Changshan
Published: May 2017

The pollutant residence time and transport trajectory in Tieshangang Bay are considered to have significant effects on deteriorating water quality. To understand the pollutant transport behaviors in Tieshangang Bay, we developed a combination model (MIKE 21 FM) of the hydrodynamic module and particle tracking module. Simulation results suggest that the water velocities in the west and east troughs (near the entrance of the bay) are distinctly higher than any other areas. Meanwhile, small semi-enclosed bays adjacent to the shoreline could affect local water flow patterns, thereby causing gyres within them. The residence time of pollutants in Tieshangang Bay is significantly affected by seasonal variations (i.e., the residence time of pollutants in Tieshangang Bay in winter is less than that in summer). The results of transport trajectory simulations reveal that the bay head is a slow flushing zone, while the entrance of the bay (west trough) can be identified as a fast flushing zone.
Bus arrival time prediction using mixed multi-route arrival time data at previous stop
Authors: Hua Xuedong , Wang Wei , Wang Yinhai , Ren Min
Published: May 2017

The primary objective of this paper is to develop models to predict bus arrival time at a target stop using actual multi-route bus arrival time data from previous stop as inputs. In order to mix and fully utilize the multiple routes bus arrival time data, the weighted average travel time and three Forgetting Factor Functions (FFFs) – F1, F2 and F3 – are introduced. Based on different combinations of input variables, five prediction models are proposed. Three widely used algorithms, i.e. Support Vector Machine (SVM), Artificial Neutral Network (ANN) and Linear Regression (LR), are tested to find the best for arrival time prediction. Bus location data of 11 road segments from Yichun (China), covering 12 bus stops and 16 routes, are collected to evaluate the performance of the proposed approaches. The results show that the newly introduced parameters, the weighted average travel time, can significantly improve the prediction accuracy: the prediction errors reduce by around 20%. The algorithm comparison demonstrates that the SVM and ANN outperform the LR. The FFFs can also affect the performance errors: F1 is more suitable for ANN algorithm, while F3 is better for SVM and LR algorithms. Besides, the virtual road concept in this paper can slightly improve the prediction accuracy and halve the time cost of predicted arrival time calculation.
Review of equipment of flight analysis and development of interactive aeronautical chart using Google Earth’s software
Authors: Masiulionis Tadas , Stankūnas Jonas
Published: May 2017

While carrying out pilot-student flight analysis, it was observed that there is a scarcity of means designed to allow fast and convenient analysis and evaluation of pilot-student flights in airspace. Most of the free navigation tools available are more adapted for on-ground navigation analysis (height and vertical speed information are not always displayed). Various software programmes can display different flight information; however, it is difficult to relate the different data parameters and compare them. Thus, the aim of the study is to resolve these problems by offering to pilots-instructors a convenient interactive aeronautical chart.
Revisiting the Bulge–Halo Conspiracy. I. Dependence on Galaxy Properties and Halo Mass
Authors: Shankar Francesco , Sonnenfeld Alessandro , Mamon Gary A. , Chae Kyu-Hyun , Gavazzi Raphael , Treu Tommaso , Diemer Benedikt , Nipoti Carlo , Buchan Stewart , Bernardi Mariangela , Sheth Ravi , Huertas-Company Marc
Published: May 2017

We carry out a systematic investigation of the total mass density profile of massive (

log

M

star

/

M

⊙

≳
11.3

) early-type galaxies and its dependence on galactic properties and host halo mass with the aid of a variety of lensing/dynamical data and large mock galaxy catalogs. The latter are produced via semi-empirical models that, by design, are based on just a few basic input assumptions. Galaxies with measured stellar masses, effective radii, and Sérsic indices, are assigned, via abundance matching relations, host dark matter halos characterized by a typical ΛCDM profile. Our main results are as follows. (1) In line with observational evidence, our semi-empirical models naturally predict that the total, mass-weighted density slope at the effective radius γ′ is not universal, steepening for more compact and/or massive galaxies, but flattening with increasing host halo mass. (2) Models characterized by a Salpeter or variable initial mass function (IMF) and uncontracted dark matter profiles are in good agreement with the data, while a Chabrier IMF and/or adiabatic contractions/expansions of the dark matter halos are highly disfavored. (3) Currently available data on the mass density profiles of very massive galaxies (

log

M

star

/

M

⊙

≳
12

), with

M

halo

≳
3
×

10

14

M

⊙

, favor instead models with a stellar profile flatter than a Sérsic one in the very inner regions (r ≲ 3–5 kpc), and a cored NFW or Einasto dark matter profile with median halo concentration a factor of ∼2 or ≲1.3, respectively, higher than those typically predicted by N-body numerical simulations.
Planet Formation in AB Aurigae: Imaging of the Inner Gaseous Spirals Observed inside the Dust Cavity
Authors: Tang Ya-Wen , Guilloteau Stephane , Dutrey Anne , Muto Takayuki , Shen Bo-Ting , Gu Pin-Gao , Inutsuka Shu-ichiro , Momose Munetake , Pietu Vincent , Fukagawa Misato , Chapillon Edwige , Ho Paul T. P. , Folco Emmanuel di , Corder Stuartt , Ohashi Nagayoshi , Hashimoto Jun
Published: May 2017

We report the results of ALMA observations of a protoplanetary disk surrounding the Herbig Ae star AB Aurigae. We obtained high-resolution (0.″1; 14 au) images in 12CO J = 2 − 1 emission and in the dust continuum at the wavelength of 1.3 mm. The continuum emission is detected at the center and at the ring with a radius (r) of ∼120 au. The CO emission is dominated by two prominent spirals within the dust ring. These spirals are trailing and appear to be about 4 times brighter than their surrounding medium. Their kinematics is consistent with Keplerian rotation at an inclination of 23°. The apparent two-arm-spiral pattern is best explained by tidal disturbances created by an unseen companion located at r of 60–80 au, with dust confined in the pressure bumps created outside this companion orbit. An additional companion at r of 30 au, coinciding with the peak CO brightness and a large pitch angle of the spiral, would help to explain the overall emptiness of the cavity. Alternative mechanisms to excite the spirals are discussed. The origin of the large pitch angle detected here remains puzzling.
The Hawaii SCUBA-2 Lensing Cluster Survey: Radio-detected Submillimeter Galaxies in the HST Frontier Fields
Authors: Hsu 徐 Li-Yen 立研 , Desai Vandana , Murphy Eric J. , Cowie Lennox L. , Heywood Ian , Momjian Emmanuel , Barger Amy J. , Smail Ian
Published: May 2017

In this second paper of the Hawaii SCUBA-2 Lensing Cluster Survey series, we cross-match SCUBA-2 maps with 3 and 6 GHz images from the Janksy-VLA Frontier Fields Legacy Survey for three cluster fields, MACS J0416.1–2403, MACS J0717.5+3745, and MACS J1149.5+2223. Within the HST coverage, 14 out of 44 850 μm sources have 3 GHz counterparts, five of which are also detected at 6 GHz. The 850 μm flux densities of these detected sources span from 0.7 to 4.4 mJy after correcting for lensing amplification. The median redshift of the sample is

, much lower than the typical redshifts (z = 2–3) of brighter submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) in the literature. In addition, we find that our sources have lower dust temperatures than those of the brighter SMGs. This is also confirmed by an analysis of the ratio between infrared star-formation rate and 850 μm flux density. However, these 14 sources may not represent the general submillimeter population at the same flux range, given that the SCUBA-2 sources without radio counterparts are likely at higher redshifts. Detection of these sources would require deeper radio images or submillimeter interferometry.
Analysis of the Intrinsic Mid-infrared L band to Visible–Near-infrared Flux Ratios in Spectral Synthesis Models of Composite Stellar Populations
Authors: Kim Duho , Jansen Rolf A. , Windhorst Rogier A.
Published: May 2017

We analyze the intrinsic flux ratios of various visible–near-infrared filters with respect to 3.5 μm for simple and composite stellar populations (CSPs), and their dependence on age, metallicity, and star formation history (SFH). UV/optical light from stars is reddened and attenuated by dust, where different sightlines across a galaxy suffer varying amounts of extinction. Tamura et al. (2009) developed an approximate method to correct for dust extinction on a pixel-by-pixel basis, dubbed the “

” method, by comparing the observed flux ratio to an empirical estimate of the intrinsic ratio of visible and ∼3.5 μm data. Through extensive modeling, we aim to validate the “

” method for various filters spanning the visible through near-infrared wavelength range, for a wide variety of simple and CSPs. Combining Starburst99 and BC03 models, we built spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of simple (SSP) and composite (CSP) stellar populations for various realistic SFHs, while taking metallicity evolution into account. We convolve various 0.44–1.65 μm filter throughput curves with each model SED to obtain intrinsic flux ratios

. When unconstrained in redshift, the total allowed range of

is 0.6–4.7, or almost a factor of eight. At known redshifts, and in particular at low redshifts (z ≲ 0.01),

is predicted to span a narrow range of 0.6–1.9, especially for early-type galaxies (0.6–0.7), and is consistent with observed

values. The

method can therefore serve as a first-order dust-correction method for large galaxy surveys that combine JWST (rest-frame 3.5 μm) and HST (rest-frame visible–near-IR) data.
Kink Waves in Thin Stratified Magnetically Twisted Flux Tubes
Authors: Lopin I. , Nagorny I.
Published: May 2017

We investigate for the first time the propagation of transverse (kink) waves along a thin non-isothermal gravity-stratified (expanding) and twisted magnetic flux tube. For a linear magnetic twist, we applied the method of radial expansion to the wave variables. In a zeroth-order approximation, the incompressible transverse plasma motion does not distort the cross section of the tube. In the framework of this model, a wave equation governing the propagation of a kink wave along a twisted expanding magnetic tube is derived. It is found that a linear magnetic twist does not affect the propagation. However, the vertical gradient of temperature (pressure scale height) of a non-isothermal atmosphere introduces a spatially local cutoff frequency for kink waves. For a linear profile of the distribution of the scale height, the cutoff period was found to be approximately T = 700 s in the region of the minimum temperature. In a special case of an isothermal atmosphere inside and outside the tube, there is no cutoff to the propagation of kink waves. It is shown that the magnetic twist increases the energy flux of kink waves for modes with m = 1 and decreases it for modes with

. This effect is stronger for lower-frequency waves. The estimated wave energy flux, supported by the thin twisted and expanding magnetic flux tubes, can compensate the energy losses in the solar corona.
Enhancement of Feedback Efficiency by Active Galactic Nucleus Outflows via the Magnetic Tension Force in the Inhomogeneous Interstellar Medium
Authors: Asahina Yuta , Nomura Mariko , Ohsuga Ken
Published: May 2017

By performing three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamics simulations of subrelativistic jets and disk winds propagating into the magnetized inhomogeneous interstellar medium (ISM), we investigate the magnetic effects on the active galactic nucleus feedback. Our simulations reveal that the magnetic tension force promotes the acceleration of the dense gas clouds, since the magnetic field lines, which are initially straight, bend around the gas clouds. In the jet models, the velocity dispersion of the clouds increases with an increase in the initial magnetic fields. The increment of the kinetic energy of the clouds is proportional to the initial magnetic fields, implying that the magnetic tension force increases the energy conversion efficiency from the jet to the gas clouds. Through simulations of the mildly collimated disk wind and the funnel-shaped disk wind, we confirm that such an enhancement of the energy conversion efficiency via the magnetic fields appears even if the energy is injected via the disk winds. The enhancement of the acceleration of the dense part of the magnetized ISM via the magnetic tension force will occur wherever the magnetized inhomogeneous matter is blown away.
Far-infrared Properties of Infrared-bright Dust-obscured Galaxies Selected with IRAS and AKARI Far-infrared All-sky Survey
Authors: Toba Yoshiki , Nagao Tohru , Wang Wei-Hao , Matsuhara Hideo , Akiyama Masayuki , Goto Tomotsugu , Koyama Yusei , Ohyama Youich , Yamamura Issei
Published: May 2017

We investigate the star-forming activity of a sample of infrared (IR)-bright dust-obscured galaxies (DOGs) that show an extreme red color in the optical and IR regime,

. Combining an IR-bright DOG sample with the flux at 22 μm > 3.8 mJy discovered by Toba & Nagao with the IRAS faint source catalog version 2 and AKARI far-IR (FIR) all-sky survey bright source catalog version 2, we selected 109 DOGs with FIR data. For a subsample of seven IR-bright DOGs with spectroscopic redshifts (

) that were obtained from the literature, we estimated their IR luminosity, star formation rate (SFR), and stellar mass based on the spectral energy distribution fitting. We found that (1) the WISE 22 μm luminosity at the observed frame is a good indicator of IR luminosity for IR-bright DOGs and (2) the contribution of the active galactic nucleus to IR luminosity increases with IR luminosity. By comparing the stellar mass and SFR relation for our DOG sample and the literature, we found that most of the IR-bright DOGs lie significantly above the main sequence of star-forming galaxies at similar redshift, indicating that the majority of IRAS- or AKARI-detected IR-bright DOGs are starburst galaxies.
Quenching of Supermassive Black Hole Growth around the Apparent Maximum Mass
Authors: Ichikawa Kohei , Inayoshi Kohei
Published: May 2017

Recent quasar surveys have revealed that supermassive black holes (SMBHs) rarely exceed a mass of M
BH ∼ a few × 1010

during the entire cosmic history. It has been argued that quenching of the BH growth is caused by a transition of a nuclear accretion disk into an advection-dominated accretion flow, with which strong outflows and/or jets are likely to be associated. We investigate the relationship between the maximum mass of SMBHs and the radio-loudness of quasars with a well-defined sample of ∼105 quasars at a redshift range of 0 < z < 2, obtained from the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys DR7 catalog. We find that the number fraction of the radio-loud (RL) quasars increases above a threshold of M
BH ≃ 2 × 109

, independent of their redshifts. Moreover, the number fraction of RL quasars with lower Eddington ratios (out of all RL quasars), indicating lower accretion rates, increases above the critical BH mass. These observational trends can be natural consequences of the proposed scenario of suppressing BH growth around the apparent maximum mass of ∼1010

. The ongoing VLA Sky Survey in radio will allow us to estimate of the exact number fraction of RL quasars more precisely, which gives further insight into the quenching processes for BH growth.
Severe Extraarticular Manifestations in a Community-based Cohort of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Risk Factors and Incidence in Relation to Treatment with Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
Authors: Theander Lisa , Nyhäll-Wåhlin Britt-Marie , Nilsson Jan-Åke , Willim Minna , Jacobsson Lennart T.H. , Petersson Ingemar F. , Turesson Carl
Published: May 2017

Objective.

The aims of this study were to evaluate whether treatment with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the risk of developing severe extraarticular rheumatoid arthritis (ExRA) manifestations and to investigate potential predictors for developing ExRA.

Methods.

A dynamic community-based cohort of patients with RA was studied (n = 1977). Clinical records were reviewed and cases of severe ExRA were identified. Information on exposure to TNF inhibitors was obtained from a regional register. Exposure to TNF inhibitors was analyzed in a time-dependent fashion and the incidence of severe ExRA in exposed patients was compared with the incidence in unexposed patients. Cox regression models were used to assess potential predictors of severe ExRA.

Results.

During treatment with TNF inhibitors, there were 17 patients with new onset of severe ExRA in 2400 person-years at risk (PY; 0.71/100 PY, 95% CI 0.41–1.13) compared with 104 in 15,599 PY (0.67/100 PY, 95% CI 0.54–0.81) in patients without TNF inhibitors. This corresponded to an incidence rate ratio of 1.06 (95% CI 0.60–1.78). The age- and sex-adjusted HR for ExRA in anti-TNF–treated patients was 1.21 (95% CI 1.02–1.43), with similar findings in models adjusted for time-dependent Health Assessment Questionnaire and propensity for anti-TNF treatment. Male sex, positive rheumatoid factor (RF), long disease duration, and greater disability were predictors for ExRA.

Conclusion.

This study suggests that patients treated with TNF inhibitors are at a slightly increased risk of developing severe ExRA. RF-positive patients with disabling disease of long duration were more likely to develop severe ExRA.
Poor Predictive Value of Isolated Adventitial and Periadventitial Infiltrates in Temporal Artery Biopsies for Diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: Le Pendu Claire , Meignin Véronique , Gonzalez-Chiappe Solange , Hij Adrian , Galateau-Sallé Françoise , Mahr Alfred
Published: May 2017

Objective.

We investigated the diagnostic value of inflammation limited to the adventitia (ILA), and isolated vasa vasorum or small-vessel vasculitis (VVV, SVV) in temporal artery biopsies (TAB) for giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods.

Two pathologists reviewed consecutive first TAB. Using the clinical diagnoses as the gold standard, positive predictive values (PPV) were calculated.

Results.

Among the 75 patients without classic TAB features of GCA, 8 had GCA diagnoses. The PPV of ILA, VVV, and SVV seen by either or both pathologists were 17%, 0%, and 7%, and 17%, 0%, and 10%, respectively.

Conclusion.

(Peri)adventitial infiltrates in TAB poorly predict GCA.
Integration of value stream map and strategic layout planning into DMAIC approach to improve carpeting process
Authors: Nagi Ayman , Altarazi Safwan
Published: May 2017

Purpose: This paper presents an implementation of the Six Sigma DMAIC approach implementing lean tools and facilities layout techniques to reduce the occurrence of different types of nonconformities in the carpeting process. Such carpeting process can be found in several industries such as construction, aviation, and automotive.Design/methodology/approach: The improvement process was built through a sequential implementation of appropriate interconnected tools at each phase of the DMAIC approach. Utilized tools included: Pareto analysis, control charts, Ishikawa chart, 5-whys, failure mode and effect analysis, process capability ratio, value stream mapping, and strategic layout planning.Findings: The carpeting process capability, quality of the product, customer satisfaction, and cost of poor quality were significantly improved. Explicitly, the sigma level was improved from 2.297 to 2.886 and the defects per million opportunities (DPMO) was reduced from 21615 to 3905.Originality/value: This paper has approved the capability of the Six Sigma DMAIC approach to analyze, investigate, and remove the root causes of the carpeting (preparation-installation) process nonconformities .
Investing in lean to improve basic capabilities: A strategy for system supply?
Authors: Carlsson Inga-Lill , Aronsson Håkan
Published: May 2017

Purpose: This paper describes the perceived effects of implementing lean production in a Swedish SME contract manufacturer. Especially focused are the effects on, and possible trade-offs between, cost-efficiency and flexibility.Design/methodology/approach: SME suppliers need basic capabilities of qualitative production performance which may then be stepping-stones to develop more system supplier capabilities for added customer value: leadership to manage systems and processes, SCM, communications and relations management. Development of stable production processes is seen as a way to reach stable basic performance, efficient and with higher resource utilization. Quality is a precursor to delivery performance as well as to cost reduction and flexibility. This is a longitudinal single case study of a SME supplier striving to become a system supplier. Two main sources of data collection are used: interviews and the main author’s presence as employee and business developer, participating in and following up the ongoing change process.Findings: Two specific findings appeared: (1) An initial effect was an important “eye-opener” for the balance between cost efficiency and flexibility in the organization. (2) Process orientation, as the basis of both lean and agile approaches, allows many improvements without any conflicts or trade-offs between these two goals. Stability in the production leads to increased controllability, initially resulting in both higher cost-efficiency and higher flexibility. As the organization develops however, strategic considerations relating to the chosen market strategy might occur: cost leadership or differentiation.   Research limitations/implications: These results reflect the experiences of one SME supplier and further studies are needed for generalizability.Originality/value: The study increases the understanding of how a SME may develop stable processes in its different supplier-customer contexts. The study points at some necessary basic components of this process approach as a first step for the transition to system supplier.
A concurrent optimization model for supplier selection with fuzzy quality loss
Authors: Rosyidi Cucuk , Murtisari Rina , Jauhari Wakhid
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to develop a concurrent supplier selection model to minimize the purchasing cost and fuzzy quality loss considering process capability and assembled product specification.Design/methodology/approach: This research integrates fuzzy quality loss in the model to concurrently solve the decision making in detailed design stage and manufacturing stage.Findings: The resulted model can be used to concurrently select the optimal supplier and determine the tolerance of the components. The model balances the purchasing cost and fuzzy quality loss.Originality/value: An assembled product consists of many components which must be purchased from the suppliers. Fuzzy quality loss is integrated in the supplier selection model to allow the vagueness in final assembly by grouping the assembly into several grades according to the resulted assembly tolerance.
A Study on Models and Methods of Information Retrieval System
Authors: Malhotra Manisha , Singh Aarti
Published: May 2017

Information Retrieval (IR) is the action of getting the information applicable to a data need from a pool of information resources. Searching can be depends on text indexing. Whenever a client enters an inquiry into the system, an automated information retrieval process becomes starts. Inquiries are formal statements which is required for getting an input (Rijsbergen, 1997). It is not necessary that the given query provides the relevance information. That query matches the result of required information from the database. It doesn't mean it gives the precise and unique result likewise in SQL queries (Rocchio, 2010). Its results are based on the ranking of information retrieved from server. This ranking based technique is the fundamental contrast from database query. It depends on user application the required object can be an image, audio or video. Although these objects are not saved in the IR system, but they can be in the form of metadata. An IR system computes a numeric value of query and then matches it with the ranking of similar objects.
Semantic Web-Based Framework for Scientific Workflows in E-Science
Authors: Vijayakumar Singanamalla , Dasari Nagaraju , Bhushan Bharath , Reddy Rajasekhar
Published: May 2017

In the future generation, computer science plays prominent role in the scientific research. The development in the field of computers will leads to the research benefits of scientific community for sharing data, service computing, building the frameworks and many more. E-Science is the active extending field in the world by the increase data and tools. The proposed work discusses the use of semantic web applications for identifying the components in the development of scientific workflows. The main objective of the proposed work is to develop the framework which assists the scientific community to test and deploy the scientific experiments with the help of ontologies, service repositories, web services and scientific workflows. The framework which aims to sustenance the scientific results and management of applications related to the specific domain. The overall goal of this research is to automate the use of semantic web services, generate the workflows, manage the search services, manage the ontologies by considering the web service composition.
Group B Streptococci Induce Proinflammatory Responses via a Protein Kinase D1–Dependent Pathway
Authors: Upadhyay Kirtikumar , Park Jeoung-Eun , Yoon Tae Won , Halder Priyanka , Kim Young-In , Metcalfe Victoria , Talati Ajay J. , English B. Keith , Yi Ae-Kyung
Published: May 2017

Group B streptococci (GBS) are one of the leading causes of life-threatening illness in neonates. Proinflammatory responses to GBS mediated through host innate immune receptors play a critical role in the disease manifestation. However, the mechanisms involved in proinflammatory responses against GBS, as well as the contribution of signaling modulators involved in host immune defense, have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the role of protein kinase D (PKD)1 in the proinflammatory responses to GBS. We found that both live and antibiotic-killed GBS induce activation of PKD1 through a pathway that is dependent on the TLR signaling adaptor MyD88 and its downstream kinase IL-1R–associated kinase 1, but independent of TNFR-associated factor 6. Our studies using pharmacological PKD inhibitors and PKD1-knockdown macrophages revealed that PKD1 is indispensable for GBS-mediated activation of MAPKs and NF-κB and subsequent expression of proinflammatory mediators. Furthermore, systemic administration of a PKD inhibitor protects d-galactosamine–sensitized mice from shock-mediated death caused by antibiotic-killed GBS. These findings imply that PKD1 plays a critical regulatory role in GBS-induced proinflammatory reactions and sepsis, and inhibition of PKD1 activation together with antibiotic treatment in GBS-infected neonates could be an effective way to control GBS diseases.
Kinase Activities of RIPK1 and RIPK3 Can Direct IFN-β Synthesis Induced by Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Saleh Danish , Najjar Malek , Zelic Matija , Shah Saumil , Nogusa Shoko , Polykratis Apostolos , Paczosa Michelle K. , Gough Peter J. , Bertin John , Whalen Michael , Fitzgerald Katherine A. , Slavov Nikolai , Pasparakis Manolis , Balachandran Siddharth , Kelliher Michelle , Mecsas Joan , Degterev Alexei
Published: May 2017

The innate immune response is a central element of the initial defense against bacterial and viral pathogens. Macrophages are key innate immune cells that upon encountering pathogen-associated molecular patterns respond by producing cytokines, including IFN-β. In this study, we identify a novel role for RIPK1 and RIPK3, a pair of homologous serine/threonine kinases previously implicated in the regulation of necroptosis and pathologic tissue injury, in directing IFN-β production in macrophages. Using genetic and pharmacologic tools, we show that catalytic activity of RIPK1 directs IFN-β synthesis induced by LPS in mice. Additionally, we report that RIPK1 kinase–dependent IFN-β production may be elicited in an analogous fashion using LPS in bone marrow–derived macrophages upon inhibition of caspases. Notably, this regulation requires kinase activities of both RIPK1 and RIPK3, but not the necroptosis effector protein, MLKL. Mechanistically, we provide evidence that necrosome-like RIPK1 and RIPK3 aggregates facilitate canonical TRIF–dependent IFN-β production downstream of the LPS receptor TLR4. Intriguingly, we also show that RIPK1 and RIPK3 kinase–dependent synthesis of IFN-β is markedly induced by avirulent strains of Gram-negative bacteria, Yersinia and Klebsiella, and less so by their wild-type counterparts. Overall, these observations identify unexpected roles for RIPK1 and RIPK3 kinases in the production of IFN-β during the host inflammatory responses to bacterial infection and suggest that the axis in which these kinases operate may represent a target for bacterial virulence factors.
The Juxtamembrane Domain of Butyrophilin BTN3A1 Controls Phosphoantigen-Mediated Activation of Human Vγ9Vδ2 T Cells
Authors: Peigné Cassie-Marie , Léger Alexandra , Gesnel Marie-Claude , Konczak Fabienne , Olive Daniel , Bonneville Marc , Breathnach Richard , Scotet Emmanuel
Published: May 2017

Vγ9Vδ2 T lymphocytes are the major human peripheral γδ T cell subset, with broad reactivity against stressed human cells, including tumor cells. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are specifically activated by small phosphorylated metabolites called phosphoantigens (PAg). Stress-induced changes in target cell PAg levels are specifically detected by butyrophilin (BTN)3A1, using its intracellular B30.2 domain. This leads to the activation of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. In this study, we show that changes in the juxtamembrane domain of BTN3A1, but not its transmembrane domain, induce a markedly enhanced or reduced γδ T cell reactivity. There is thus a specific requirement for BTN3A1’s juxtamembrane domain for correct γδ T cell–related function. This work identified, as being of particular importance, a juxtamembrane domain region of BTN3A molecules identified as a possible dimerization interface and that is located close to the start of the B30.2 domain.
Genetic and Small Molecule Disruption of the AID/RAD51 Axis Similarly Protects Nonobese Diabetic Mice from Type 1 Diabetes through Expansion of Regulatory B Lymphocytes
Authors: Ratiu Jeremy J. , Racine Jeremy J. , Hasham Muneer G. , Wang Qiming , Branca Jane A. , Chapman Harold D. , Zhu Jing , Donghia Nina , Philip Vivek , Schott William H. , Wasserfall Clive , Atkinson Mark A. , Mills Kevin D. , Leeth Caroline M. , Serreze David V.
Published: May 2017

B lymphocytes play a key role in type 1 diabetes (T1D) development by serving as a subset of APCs preferentially supporting the expansion of autoreactive pathogenic T cells. As a result of their pathogenic importance, B lymphocyte–targeted therapies have received considerable interest as potential T1D interventions. Unfortunately, the B lymphocyte–directed T1D interventions tested to date failed to halt β cell demise. IgG autoantibodies marking humans at future risk for T1D indicate that B lymphocytes producing them have undergone the affinity-maturation processes of class switch recombination and, possibly, somatic hypermutation. This study found that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated ablation of the activation-induced cytidine deaminase gene required for class switch recombination/somatic hypermutation induction inhibits T1D development in the NOD mouse model. The activation-induced cytidine deaminase protein induces genome-wide DNA breaks that, if not repaired through RAD51-mediated homologous recombination, result in B lymphocyte death. Treatment with the RAD51 inhibitor 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2, 2′-disulfonic acid also strongly inhibited T1D development in NOD mice. The genetic and small molecule–targeting approaches expanded CD73+ B lymphocytes that exert regulatory activity suppressing diabetogenic T cell responses. Hence, an initial CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic modification approach has identified the AID/RAD51 axis as a target for a potentially clinically translatable pharmacological approach that can block T1D development by converting B lymphocytes to a disease-inhibitory CD73+ regulatory state.
Mutations in Hotspot Region of MYH7 Gene Exon 23 Associated with Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kapoor Mitali , Das Soumi , Biswas Amitabh , Seth Sandeep , Bhargava Balram , Rao Vadlamudi Raghavendra
Published: May 2017

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is characterized by restrictive filling of the ventricles. The association between the variable expressivity and age at onset of disease and disease complexity with double and compound heterozygous state is associated with severity of disease phenotype in recent reports. Sharing of variants of sarcomere genes across cardiomyopathies has implication in clinical expression of different clinical phenotypes. The present study reports Sanger DNA sequencing of MYH7 gene, exon 23 from 30 unrelated RCM patients and 15 primary relatives from sporadic families with the hypothesis that RCM has common etiology with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Rare variant E949K and a de novo compound heterozygous mutation (p.E902K and p.D906N), in two RCM patients with early onset and no ventricular hypertrophy were found. These variants wereabsent in 50 dilated cardiomyopathy, 50 HCM patients and 15 primary relatives screened. The present report of rare and compound heterozygosity cases will further provide basis for the complexity and variable expressivity of phenotypes in patients in such complex diseases. The possible reasons for this phenotypic heterogeneity would be the presence of any other mutations in same chromosome or in different chromosome which is modifying the outcome of the causal mutation.
The supplier relationship practices of travel agencies in the Western Cape Province - What is the status quo?
Authors: Roberts-Lombard Mornay
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to explore the supplier relationship practices of travel agencies in the Western Cape province. The article wants to establish the current supplier relationship practices of travel agencies in the province and to identify limitations in supplier market relationships which might exist in the industry. Problem investigated: Relationships are the basis on which trade in the travel industry is built (George, 2006:224). The establishment and management of these relationships must be to the advantage of all parties in the relationship (Swart, 2003:120). Townes (2007) indicated that the current level of relationships that exists between travel agencies and their suppliers, especially the South African Airways (SAA), the Protea and Southern Sun hotel groups and motor vehicle rental companies such as AVIS is fragmented and negatively impairs on the ability of travel agents to deliver a quality service to their customers. To improve their overall level of service delivery to both corporate and leisure customers, it is important for travel agencies to know and understand the current level of their relationships with suppliers. It is against this background that the research was undertaken. Methodology: The target population for this study was 118 travel agencies of which 61 managers and/or owners participated through personal interviews in the completion of questionnaires. Data analysis was done by calculating averages and standard deviations, Explorative Factor Analysis (EFA), Cronbach Alpha-values and practical significance by means of effect sizes. Findings: The owners and managers of travel agencies are of the opinion that the strengthening of their existing relationships with suppliers must be prioritised. More emphasis should be placed on the strengthening of existing communication channels between travel agencies and their suppliers to secure the faster resolution of queries and complaints and to enhance the sharing of information, skills and knowledge between the two parties. The results further indicated that the development of long term relationships with suppliers are important for the future existence of the travel agency industry in the Western Cape. The establishment of these relationships must, however, be to the advantage of both parties in the relationship Conclusion: Travel agencies and their suppliers should work in collaboration to improve their service delivery to customers by sharing information on product development, marketing and promotional strategies as well as future distribution initiatives. It is also important that both travel agencies and their suppliers should believe in the long term value of establishing a relationship with each other. It is for this reason that trust and commitment are prerequisites for the establishment of such a relationship.
Advantages and pitfalls of South Africa-Angola strategic alliances
Authors: Vogel A. J. , Pires da Cunha G. B.L.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Owing to a shortage of South African research focusing on international strategic alliances, this study aimed to determine whether the advantages and pitfalls of international strategic alliances referred to in international business publications are also applicable to South African international strategic alliances. Design/Methodology/Approach: This was a formal, empirical study that targeted the 163 South African enterprises which were members of the South African-Angolan Chamber of Commerce in 2005 and 2006. Findings: The results identified joint ventures as the most prominent mode of entry when expanding into developing countries and, with few exceptions, the findings support the advantages and pitfalls of international strategic alliances identified in other international publications. Value of the research: A great deal of international management research over the years has been focused on the importance of strategic alliances as a mode of entry, as well as on the pitfalls experienced by alliance partners, particularly in developed countries. However, the lack of such research in Africa in general and South Africa in particular means that South African enterprises must base their entry mode selection on non-South African research findings, and although this sample size was small, the lack of other Africa-specific research makes this research significant. Implications: With South Africa being the largest source of FDI into the rest of Africa, the findings of this paper show that South African enterprises can attain the advantages associated with international strategic alliances when using this mode of entry into Africa. In terms of pitfalls, the findings highlight the need for multinational enterprises to pay specific attention to the role of governments when forming strategic alliances.
The role of demographics in students' selection of higher education institutions
Authors: Wiese M. , Van Heerden C. H. , Jordaan Y.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: To investigate the choice factors students consider when selecting a higher education institution, with a focus on the differences between gender and language groups. Problem investigated: The educational landscape has seen several changes, such as stronger competition between institutions for both student enrolments and government funding. These market challenges have led to an interest in students' institution selection processes as it has implications for the way higher education institutions (HEIs) manage their marketing and recruitment strategies. The research objective of this study was to identify the most important choice factors of prospective South African students. It also aimed to determine if any gender and language differences exist with regard to students' institution selection processes. Methodology: A convenience sample of 1 241 respondents was drawn, representing six South African universities. A self-administrated questionnaire was used to collect the data. Questions from the ASQ (Admitted Student Questionnaire) and CIRP (The Cooperative Institutional Research Programme) were used and adapted to the South African context after pilot testing. Hypotheses were analysed using the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) test with Wilks' lambda as the test statistic. Findings/Implications: Irrespective of gender or language, the most important choice factor for respondents was the quality of teaching at HEIs. The findings showed that males and females differ according to the selection of certain choice factors which suggest that HEIs can consider recruitment strategies for each gender group. Significant differences between the language groups were found for 17 of the 23 choice factors, signalling that different language groups make decisions based on different choice factors. African language-speaking students have, amongst other, indicated that the multiculturalism of the institution is a very important choice factor for them. Conclusion: The findings provide HEIs with an indication of the importance of choice factors considered by students in selecting a HEI. This will enable HEIs to use their limited funds more efficiently to attract the right calibre student (recruitment policies), to create a unique position, to sagment the student market more appropriately and to gain a competitive advantage.
Drivers and moderators of business decline
Authors: Pretorius Marius
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Reports of business failure elicit various reactions, while research in this domain often appears to be limited by a lack of access to information about failure and by the negativity that surrounds it. Those who have experienced failure do not readily talk about it, or they disappear from the radar screen of researchers. Yet failure is preceded by decline which, when focused on strategically, can reduce eventual failures if early action is taken. The main purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual framework or typology of the drivers and moderators of business decline. Design/methodology/approach: After applying the "grounded theory" approach to the academic literature on decline and failure, a conceptual framework for the variables that drive and moderate business decline is proposed. Findings: The study proposes that decline has three core drivers, three peripheral drivers and four moderators. The core drivers identified are: resource munificence; leadership as origin; and causality (strategic versus operational origin of decline). The three peripheral drivers are: unique preconditions; continuous decisions impact; and extremes dichotomy. The study describes four moderators of the drivers: life cycle stage; stakeholder perspective; quantitative versus qualitative nature of signs and causes; and finally the age and size effects. Research limitations/implications: The proposed conceptual framework is based on literature only, although it has found support during discussions with practitioners. It is proposed to readers of this journal for scrutiny and validation. Practical implications: Strategists need to understand what drives decline in order to act timeously; practitioners who have an insight into the moderators with their impacts could make better decisions in response to decline in organisations and possibly avoid business failure. Originality/Value: Understanding business decline is still a huge theoretical challenge, which drives turnaround strategies chosen by management. The proposed conceptual framework has this as its focus.
NETWORK, HOW? Perceptions of business people on networking practices
Authors: De Klerk Saskia , Greeff Minrie
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to contribute to literature on networking from a South African perspective. Literature on networking is mainly concentrated on the European and American contexts with homogeneous groups and traditional divisions. The business landscape of South Africa thus requires more investigation. Problem investigated: Literature regarding networking in an South African context with its dynamic business environment is limited. This article addresses the concerns of how South African business owners and managers perceive networking in their businesses and specifically focus on the South African perspective. Therefore, the focus is on the perceptions of business owners and managers on current networking practices in South Africa. Methodology: A qualitative research design to uncover the rich underlying feelings of business owners and managers was used. The qualitative enquiry consisted of five focus group discussions (n=41 participants) among prominent business owners and managers in the Gauteng Province, South Africa. The Gauteng Province was selected since it is the economic and innovation hub of South Africa. Findings and implications: The main findings showed the following main themes of networking that emerged from the data, and included (1) networking as a skill versus a natural ability; (2) the motivation behind networking; (3) the loci of networking; (4) the type of relationships that determine the character of the network; and (5) the relationship characteristics of successful networking. The main contribution of this is that there seems to be different networking situations and applications for different circumstances. According to the participants, it seems that networking in the South African landscape appears to be either relationship or business based. Originality and value of the research: The value of these findings lies in the fact that they contribute to networking literature from a South African perspective and that networking skills form an important part of management and entrepreneurship. The conclusion is that this research supports the notion that networking skills are important and should be developed on a wider basis. Formal courses on networking or incorporation in existing management training and development courses need to be implemented on all levels by educational institutions and government.