bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Trithorax group protein dMLL3/4 instructs the assembly of the zygotic genome at fertilization
Authors: Prudêncio Pedro , Guilgur Leonardo G. , Sobral João , Becker Jörg D. , Martinho Rui Gonçalo , Navarro-Costa Paulo
Published: January 2018

The transition from fertilized oocyte to totipotent embryo relies on maternally-provided factors that are synthetized and accumulated in developing oocytes. Yet, it is still unclear how oocytes regulate the expression of these embryo fate-promoting genes within the general transcriptional program of oogenesis. Here we report that theDrosophilaTrithorax group protein MLL3/4 (dMLL3/4, also known as Trr) is essential for the transition to embryo fate at fertilization. In the absence of dMLL3/4, oocytes develop normally but fail to initiate the embryo mitotic divisions after fertilization. This incapability results from defects in both paternal genome reprogramming and maternal meiotic completion. We show that, during oogenesis, dMLL3/4 promotes the expression of a functionally coherent gene subset that is later required for the correct assembly of the zygotic genome. Accordingly, we identify the evolutionarily-conserved IDGF4 glycoprotein (known as oviductin in mammals) as a new oocyte-to-embryo transition gene under dMLL3/4 transcriptional control. Based on these observations, we propose that dMLL3/4 plays an instructive role in the oocyte-to-embryo transition that is functionally uncoupled from the requirements of normal oocyte differentiation.
UBE3A–mediated p18/LAMTOR1 ubiquitination and degradation regulate mTORC1 activity and synaptic plasticity
Authors: Sun Jiandong , Liu Yan , Jia Yousheng , Tran Jennifer , Hao Xiaoning , Lin Weiju , Lynch Gary , Baudry Michel , Bi Xiaoning
Published: January 2018

Accumulating evidence indicates that the lysosomal Ragulator complex is essential for full activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Abnormal mTORC1 activation has been implicated in several developmental neurological disorders, including Angelman syndrome (AS), which is caused by maternal deficiency of the ubiquitin E3 ligase UBE3A. Here we report that Ube3a regulates mTORC1 signaling by targeting p18, a subunit of the Ragulator. Ube3a ubiquinates p18, resulting in its proteasomal degradation, and Ube3a deficiency in hippocampus of AS mice results in increased lysosomal localization of p18 and other members of the Ragulator-Rag complex, such as RagA, and increased mTORC1 activity. P18 down-regulation by siRNA or shRNA in hippocampal CA1 neurons of AS mice reduces elevated mTORC1 activity and improves long-term potentiation (LTP) and dendritic spine maturation. Our results indicate that Ube3a-mediated regulation of p18 and subsequent mTORC1 signaling is critical for typical synaptic plasticity and dendritic spine development.
The method of modeling the human EEG by calculating radial traveling waves on the folded surface of the human cerebral cortex
Authors: Verkhlyutov Vitaly M. , Balaev Vladislav V.
Published: January 2018

There are many data about traveling waves in the cortex of animals such as rats, ferrets, monkey, and even birds. Waves registered invasively using electrical and optical imaging techniques. Such registration is not possible in healthy man.

Non-invasive EEG recordings show scalp waves propagation at rates two orders greater than the data obtained invasively in animal experiments. At the same time, it has recently been argued that the traveling waves of both local and global nature do exist in the human cortex. We have developed a novel methodology for simulation of EEG as produced by depolarization waves with parameters taken from animal models. We simulate radially propagating waves, taking into account the complex geometry of the surface of the gyri and sulci in the areas of the visual, motor, somatosensory and auditory cortex. The dynamics of the distribution of electrical fields on the scalp in our simulations is consistent with the EEG data recorded in humans.
Acetylcholine-dependent phasic dopamine activity signals exploratory locomotion and choices
Authors: Naudé J. , Didienne S. , Takillah S. , Prévost-Solié C. , Maskos U. , Faurej P.
Published: January 2018

Dopamine neurons from the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) switch from tonic to phasic burst firing in response to reward-predictive cues and actions. Bursting is influenced by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which are not implicated in reinforcement learning, but rather in exploration and uncertainty-seeking. The leading model assigns these functions to tonic dopamine firing. To investigate this paradox, we recorded the activity of VTA dopamine neurons during a spatial decision-making task. When reward was certain, mice adopted a stereotyped behavior, and dopamine neurons signaled reward. When confronted with uncertain rewards or a novel environment, mice exhibited exploration. Modulation of phasic, but not tonic, dopamine activity predicted uncertainty-seeking and locomotor exploration. Deletion of nAChRs disrupted the influence of uncertainty and novelty on dopamine firing and behavior, sparing reward signaling and learning. Hence, nAChR modulation of dopamine neurons can influence cognitive functions on a short timescale, through the modulation of phasic, synchronous bursting.
The extent of B-form structure in a 6S RNA variant that mimics DNA to bind to the Escherichia coli RNA Polymerase
Authors: Banavali Nilesh K.
Published: January 2018

In a recent article by Darst and coworkers, it was found that a non-coding 6S RNA variant regulates a bacterial RNA polymerase by mimicking B-Form DNA, and a few different nucleic acid duplex parameters were analyzed to understand the extent of B-form RNA structure. In this manuscript, a different structural analysis based on conformational distance from canonical A-form and B-form single-strand structures is presented. This analysis addresses the occurrence and extent of both local and global B-form structure in the published 6S RNA variant model.
Dissociation of immediate and delayed effects of emotional arousal on episodic memory
Authors: Schümann Dirk , Bayer Janine , Talmi Deborah , Sommer Tobias
Published: January 2018

Emotionally arousing events are usually better remembered than neutral ones. This phenomenon is in humans mostly studied by presenting mixed lists of neutral and emotional items. An emotional enhancement of memory is observed in these studies often already immediately after encoding and increases with longer delays and consolidation. A large body of animal research showed that the more efficient consolidation of emotionally arousing events is based on an activation of the central noradrenergic system and the amygdala (Modulation Hypothesis; Roozendaal & McGaugh, 2011). The immediately superior recognition of emotional items is attributed primarily to their attraction of attention during encoding which is also thought to be based on the amygdala and the central noradrenergic system. To investigate whether the amygdala and noradrenergic system support memory encoding and consolidation via shared neural substrates and processes a large sample of participants (n = 690) encoded neutral and arousing pictures. Their memory was tested immediately and after a consolidation delay. In addition, they were genotyped in two relevant polymorphisms (α2B-adrenergic receptor and serotonin transporter). Memory for negative and positive emotional pictures was enhanced at both time points where these enhancements were correlated (immediate r = 0.60 and delayed test r = 0.46). Critically, the effects of emotional arousal on encoding and consolidation correlated only very low (negative r = 0.14 and positive r = 0.03 pictures) suggesting partly distinct underlying processes consistent with a functional heterogeneity of the central noradrenergic system. No effect of genotype on either effect was observed.
B cell defects observed in Nod2 knockout mice are a consequence of a Dock2 mutation frequently found in inbred strains
Authors: Wong Serre-Yu , Coffre Maryaline , Ramanan Deepshika , Gomez Luis E. , Peters Lauren , Schadt Eric , Koralov Sergei , Cadwell Ken
Published: January 2018

Phenotypic differences among substrains of laboratory mice due to spontaneous mutations or pre-existing genetic variation confound the interpretation of targeted mutagenesis experiments, and contribute to challenges with reproducibility across institutions. Notably, C57BL/6NHsd mice and gene-targeted mice that have been backcrossed to this substrain have been reported to harbor a duplication in exons 28 and 29 of Dock2. Here, we demonstrate the presence of this Dock2 variant in the widely used Nod2−/− mice. NOD2 is a cytosolic innate immune receptor that has been the subject of intense investigation due to its association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) susceptibility. Consistent with a role of NOD2 in an immunological disorder, Nod2−/− mice bred at our institution displayed multiple B cell defects including deficiencies in recirculating B cells, marginal zone B cells and B1a cells. However, we found that these effects are due to the Dock2 variant and are independent of Nod2 deletion. Despite originating from the same gene-targeted founder mice, Nod2−/− mice from another source did not harbor the Dock2 variant or B cell defects. Finally, we show that Dock2−/− mice display the same B cell defects as mice harboring the Dock2 variant, confirming that the variant is a loss-of-function mutation and is sufficient to explain the alterations to the B cell compartment observed in Nod2−/− mice. Our findings highlight the effects of confounding mutations from widely-used inbred strains on gene-targeted mice and reveal new functions of DOCK2 in B cells.
Ongoing, rational calibration of reward-driven perceptual biases
Authors: Fan Yunshu , Gold Joshua I. , Ding Long
Published: January 2018

Decision-making is often interpreted in terms of normative computations that maximize a particular reward function for stable, average behaviors. Aberrations from the reward-maximizing solutions, either across subjects or across different sessions for the same subject, are often interpreted as reflecting poor learning or physical limitations. Here we show that such aberrations may instead reflect the involvement of additional satisficing and heuristic principles. For an asymmetric-reward perceptual decision-making task, three monkeys produced adaptive biases in response to changes in reward asymmetries and perceptual sensitivity. Their choices and response times were consistent with a normative accumulate-to-bound process. However, their context-dependent adjustments to this process deviated slightly but systematically from the reward-maximizing solutions. These adjustments were instead consistent with a rational process to find satisficing solutions based on the gradient of each monkey’s reward-rate function. These results suggest new dimensions for assessing the rational and idiosyncratic aspects of flexible decision-making.
Differential regulation of microRNA-15a by radiation affects angiogenesis and tumor growth via modulation of acid sphingomyelinase
Authors: Rana Shushan , Espinosa-Diez Cristina , Ruhl Rebecca , Thomas Charles R , Anand Sudarshan
Published: January 2018

Activation of acid sphingomyelinase (SMPD1) and the generation of ceramide is a critical regulator of apoptosis in response to cellular stress including radiation. Endothelial SMPD1 has been shown to regulate tumor responses to radiation therapy. We show here that the SMPD1 gene is regulated by a microRNA (miR), miR-15a, in endothelial cells (ECs). Standard low dose radiation (2 Gy) upregulates miR-15a and decreases SMPD1 levels. In contrast, high dose radiation (10 Gy and above) decreases miR-15a and increases SMPD1. Ectopic expression of miR-15a decreases both mRNA and protein levels of SMPD1. Mimicking the effects of high dose radiation with a miR-15a inhibitor decreases cell proliferation and increases active Caspase-3 & 7. Mechanistically, inhibition of miR-15a increases inflammatory cytokines, such as IP10, activates caspase-1 inflammasome and increases Gasdermin D, an effector of pyroptosis. Importantly, both systemic and vascular-targeted delivery of miR-15a inhibitor decreases angiogenesis and tumor growth in a CT26 murine colorectal carcinoma model. Taken together, our findings highlight a novel role for miR mediated regulation of SMPD1 during radiation responses and establish proof-of-concept that this pathway can be targeted with a miR inhibitor.
Chromatin Functional States Correlate with HIV Latency Reversal in Infected Primary CD4+T cells
Authors: Battivelli Emilie , Dahabieh Matthew S. , Abdel-Mohsen Mohamed , Svensson J. Peter , Tojal Da Silva Israel , Cohn Lilian B. , Gramatica Andrea , Deeks Steven , Greene Warner , Pillai Satish K. , Verdin Eric
Published: January 2018

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection cannot be cured due to a small reservoir of latently infected CD4+T cells in treated patients. The “shock and kill” approach proposes to eliminate the reservoir by inducing its activation and the direct or indirect killing of infected cells. Current latency reversing agents (LRAs) do not reduce the viral reservoir in treated patients.

We use a novel dual-fluorescent HIV reporter to identify and purify latent cells, and to determine the fraction of latent cells that undergo viral reactivation after infection of primary CD4+T cells. Unexpectedly, LRAs reactivate less than 5% of latent proviruses. Analysis of HIV integration sites from induced and non-induced latent populations reveals distinct provirus integration sites between these two populations in terms of chromatin functional states.

These findings challenge “shock and kill”, and suggest the need of more potent LRAs in combination with immunomodulatory approaches to eradicate HIV reservoir.
Peripheral, intrareceptor inhibition in mosquito olfaction
Authors: Xu Pingxi , Choo Young-Moo , Chen Zhou , Zeng Fangfang , Tan Kaiming , Chen Tsung-Yu , Cornel Anthony J. , Liu Nannan , Leal Walter S.
Published: January 2018

How chemical signals are integrated at the peripheral sensory system of insects is still an enigma. Here we show that when coexpressed with Orco in Xenopus oocytes, an odorant receptor from the southern house mosquito, CquiOR32, generated inward (regular) currents when challenged with cyclohexanone and methyl salicylate, whereas eucalyptol and fenchone elicited inhibitory (upward) currents. Responses of CquiOR32-CquiOrco-expressing oocytes to odorants were reduced in a dose-dependent fashion by coapplication of inhibitors. This intrareceptor inhibition was also manifested in vivo in fruit flies expressing the mosquito receptor CquiOR32, as well in neurons on the antennae of the southern house mosquito. Likewise, an orthologue from the yellow fever mosquito, AaegOR71, showed intrareceptor inhibition in the Xenopus oocyte recording system and corresponding inhibition in antennal neurons. Intrareceptor inhibition was also manifested in mosquito behavior. Blood-seeking females were repelled by methyl salicylate, but repellence was significantly reduced when methyl salicylate was coapplied with eucalyptol.

One Sentence Summary

Intrareceptor inhibition was observed in mosquito odorant receptors expressed in heterologous systems, in vivo, and manifested in behavioral responses.
Local sequence features that influence AP-1 cis-regulatory activity
Authors: Chaudhari Hemangi G. , Cohen Barak A.
Published: January 2018

In the genome, most occurrences of transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) have no cis-regulatory activity, which suggests that flanking sequences contain information that distinguishes functional from nonfunctional TFBS. We interrogated the role of flanking sequences near Activator Protein 1 (AP-1) binding sites that reside in DNase I Hypersensitive Sites (DHS) and regions annotated as Enhancers. In these regions, we found that sequence features directly adjacent to the core motif distinguish high from low activity AP-1 sites. Some nearby features are motifs for other TFs that genetically interact with the AP-1 site. Other features are extensions of the AP-1 core motif, which cause the extended sites to match motifs of multiple AP-1 binding proteins. Computational models trained on these data distinguish between sequences with high and low activity AP-1 sites and also predict changes in cis-regulatory activity due to mutations in AP-1 core sites and their flanking sequences. Our results suggest that extended AP-1 binding sites, together with adjacent binding sites for additional TFs, encode part of the information that governs TFBS activity in the genome.
YouTube science channel video presenters and comments: female friendly or vestiges of sexism?
Authors: Thelwall Mike , Mas-Bleda Amalia
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse popular YouTube science video channels for evidence of attractiveness to a female audience.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of presenter gender and commenter sentiment towards males and females is investigated for 50 YouTube science channels with a combined view-count approaching ten billion. This is cross-referenced with commenter gender as a proxy for audience gender.

Findings

The ratio of male to female commenters varies between 1 and 39 to 1, but the low proportions of females seem to be due to the topic or presentation style rather than the gender of the presenter or the attitudes of the commenters. Although male commenters were more hostile to other males than to females, a few posted inappropriate sexual references that may alienate females.

Research limitations/implications

Comments reflect a tiny and biased sample of YouTube science channel viewers and so their analysis provides weak evidence.

Practical implications

Sexist behaviour in YouTube commenting needs to be combatted but the data suggest that gender balance in online science presenters should not be the primary concern of channel owners.

Originality/value

This is the largest scale analysis of gender in YouTube science communication.
University students’ heuristic usability ınspection of the national library of Turkey website
Authors: Inal Yavuz
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the usability of the National Library of Turkey website developed for all citizens in the country to retrieve information available in a wide range of areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation performed by 57 undergraduate university students involved the identification and analysis of usability problems in the selected website. The assessment process was mainly based on Nielsen’s Heuristics. The data obtained in the evaluation process were enriched using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Net Promoter Score (NPS) to conduct a more detailed analysis.

Findings

The participants identified many usability problems concerning the evaluated website and considered it as having low usability characteristics. The most violated heuristic item was found to be “consistency and standards” whereas the least violated heuristic item was “match between system and the real world.” The total number of the usability problems in heuristic evaluation correlated significantly and negatively with the SUS and the NPS results indicating that the more participants identified usability problems, the less they considered the website as usable and recommendable.

Research limitations/implications

The participants were not usability experts, however they were selected from among the students who received the Human Computer Interaction course to ensure that they had sufficient information and experience concerning the evaluation of a website with heuristics. Besides, the study was limited to a small number of university students. The implication is that results of this study have potential to guide libraries, which plan to adapt themselves to the digital world by delivering web services, by addressing critical points influencing users’ points of views toward library websites and their usability evaluation result.

Practical implications

Depending on the changes in user habits regarding the retrieval of information, libraries have made considerable investments in web technologies to meet their users’ demands, and recently, digital libraries have begun to take over physical libraries. Users always need to perform tasks efficiently, effectively and satisfactorily when using websites. As one of the most crucial sources of digital materials, library websites are expected to have usable characteristics that satisfactorily meet user requirements. Therefore, the practical implication is that the findings of the study will guide designers, developers and practitioners in the development of library websites.

Originality/value

In the context of usability evaluation of digital libraries, this is the first study to analyze effects of usability problems identified by users during the heuristic inspection on their overall evaluation score and willingness to recommend the website to their friends or colleagues.
Streaming video at the University at Albany Libraries
Authors: VanUllen Mary K. , Mock Emily , Rogers Emmalyn
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the options for streaming video service available to libraries and determine which platform would best fit the needs of the University at Albany Libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Usage data and faculty and student feedback about the streaming video collections already in use by the libraries were compiled to evaluate current needs, and information was gathered about a selection of additional streaming video platforms to be considered.

Findings

It was determined that a multi-disciplinary collection with a patron-driven-style subscription model would be the best choice to add to the libraries streaming video offerings.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on the needs and experiences of the University at Albany Libraries, but the methodology can be used by other institutions assessing their own collections.

Originality/value

Most of the current literature related to streaming video in libraries focuses on building new collections, with little discussion of adding to existing collections – a gap which this study aims to fill.
Recent philosophy and the fiction/non-fiction distinction
Authors: Matravers Derek
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of recent philosophical argument concerning the distinction between fiction and non-fiction.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical view of the literature.

Findings

A consensus that had emerged that defined fiction in terms of the imagination, and imagination in terms of its functional role, has recently been questioned.

Research limitations/implications

The overview was written by a contributor to the field, and so may be considered partial.

Practical implications

There might be some implications regarding the ways books are classified.

Originality/value

The paper is not original, in that it puts forward points made elsewhere, however it is a completely up-to-date review of the field.
Thinking in space
Authors: Troiano Laura
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper is an exploration of the potential impact of narrative writing and creative non-fiction on historical scholarship. Framed by the question of where a manuscript would be shelved in the library, this paper aims to survey the role of space, physical and metaphorical, in how we categorize, curate, cultivate and present narrative scholarship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using primary source material related to Newark stadium building and a broad-range scholarship concerning space, the author will place them in conversation with historian John Demos’ autobiographical narrative writing style.

Findings

The author hopes this paper furthers the conversation on the impact of narrative on scholarly writing and literacy.

Originality/value

By advancing this conversation, the author’s hope is that scholars will expand the possibilities of topics, sources, analysis, narrative styles and presentation of the information they both find and produce.
Transcollegial leadership: a new paradigm for leadership
Authors: Burns David J. , Mooney Debra
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The increasing complexity of higher education has led to the need for a different type of leader that transcends traditional boundaries and individual self-interest. The purpose of this paper is to propose an alternative form of leadership consistent with the unique challenges faced by institutions of higher education today.

Design/methodology/approach

First, existing research on leadership is explored. Particular attention is placed on identifying the applicability of the primary leadership approaches to the unique organizational environment typically found in institutions of higher education. Transcollegial leadership is then developed as an alternative form of leadership better suited to colleges and universities in today’s dynamic environment.

Findings

After examining the inadequacies of existing forms of leadership in higher education, transcollegial leadership is introduced as the process involved in leaders systematically, but informally, relating to persons and groups of equivalent authority in different areas of an institution of higher education for its betterment and the advancement of its mission, not for person gain.

Practical implications

It appears that transcollegial leadership may be specifically suited for institutions of higher education given their unique organizational structure. Transcollegial leadership permits colleges and universities to better utilize the skills and expertise of their members. The skills and expertise of transcollegial leaders not only benefit their home organizational units, but can benefit the entire organization.

Originality/value

The paper examines a different approach to leadership to aid colleges and universities in facing the challenges of a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive environment.
Developing internationalisation strategies, University of Winchester, UK
Authors: Neale Richard Hugh , Spark Alasdair , Carter Joy
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Internationalisation has been a theme in UK higher education for a decade or more. The review of this paper, a practice-based case study, is to find how Winchester formulated two successive internationalisation strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The strategies were developed using a research-oriented method: grounded in the literature and an institutional development model, the work included a comprehensive survey of the university’s existing international engagement, two rounds of structured discussions with senior staff, and a formal organisational development process.

Findings

The survey of the university’s international engagement was a most useful exercise. It revealed a substantial and diverse range of engagement which provided confidence that the aim to be a “fully internationalised university” was realistic. There was general agreement that Winchester must demonstrate strong levels of engagement through five strategic priorities related to: curriculum and student mobility; European Union/international staff and students; collaboration with international organisations; academic and social integration of students and staff; coordination of practices and processes.

Research limitations/implications

This is a case study of one UK university.

Practical implications

The process by which the strategies were developed should be relevant to other universities.

Social implications

Winchester is “Values Driven University”: “We value freedom, justice, truth, human rights and collective effort for the common good”. Internationalisation is consistent with these values, fostering an understanding of diverse cultures and an awareness of global issues.

Originality/value

The authors found no published work describing such a structured and participative process for developing internationalisation strategies within a university.
Primary education in Vietnam and pupil online engagement
Authors: Nguyen Quynh Thi , Naguib Raouf N.G. , Das Ashish K. , Papathomas Michail , Vallar Edgar A. , Wickramasinghe Nilmini , Santos Gil Nonato , Galvez Maria Cecilia , Nguyen Viet Anh
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the disparities in social awareness and use of the internet between urban and rural school children in the North of Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 525 pupils, aged 9-11 years old, randomly selected from seven urban and rural schools, who are internet users, participated in the study and consented to responding to a questionnaire adapted from an equivalent European Union study. A comparative statistical analysis of the responses was then carried out, using IBM SPSS v21, which consisted of a descriptive analysis, an identification of personal self-development opportunities, as well as issues related to pupils’ digital prowess and knowledge of internet use and internet safety, including parental engagement in their offspring’s online activities.

Findings

The study highlights the fact that children from both the urban and rural regions of the North of Vietnam mostly access the internet from home, but with more children in the urbanized areas accessing it at school than their rural counterparts. Although children from the rural areas scored lower on all the internet indicators, such as digital access and online personal experience and awareness, there was no disparity in awareness of internet risks between the two sub-samples. It is noteworthy that there was no statistically significant gender difference towards online activities that support self-development. In relation to safe internet usage, children are likely to seek advice from their parents, rather than through teachers or friends. However, they are not yet provided with an effective safety net while exposing themselves to the digital world.

Originality/value

Although the Vietnamese national curriculum on the computer science subject does not explicitly cover the use of the internet and its related aspects, the majority of children who took part in this study claimed to have used the internet in their learning activities. This emphasises the urgent need for the Ministry of Education and educators in the country to not only improve information and communication technology facilities in schools, but also to revise the computer science curriculum in order to provide a supportive environment for learning development and collectively advocate the dynamics of internet use in order to ensure safe access and use by the children.
Qualitative methods for engaging students in performance measurement
Authors: Appleton Leo
Published: January 2018

Purpose

In the modern “student focused” university setting, quality assurance and continual service improvement have become more and more important in the delivery of academic library services. Working in partnership with their students, academic libraries can enable meaningful engagement, through qualitative methods which allow individual students to contribute to performance measurement activities and service development. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how qualitative methods can be used to engage students in the performance measurement activities of academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a review of relevant literature, discussion around the main themes and some case study examples, this paper illustrates how effective student engagement through qualitative methods can contribute to the quality assurance, performance measurement and ultimate service improvement of academic libraries.

Findings

The paper focuses specifically on focus group and reflective methods and also details some elements of user experience (UX) which brings together different qualitative techniques available for academic libraries. The paper concludes with a feature case study which discusses how meaningful student engagement was achieved through a large-scale UX project at the University of the Arts, London.

Originality/value

The paper brings together many different discussions around qualitative methods in performance measurement and is original in its discussions around such activity as student engagement initiatives.
Planned conservation in Pompeii: complexity and methodological choices
Authors: Osanna Massimo , Rinaldi Enrico
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The planned maintenance service, conducted within the scope of the Great Pompeii Project, presents a high degree of complexity. The purpose of this paper is to describe the methodological choices and operational practices which are being put into place, in order to allow a gradual transition from works of an extraordinary nature to a continuous and planned conservation initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

In line with changing perspectives on approaching maintenance, which have gained traction in Italy through research conducted over the last decade, the maintenance service of Pompeii has been proposed as a permanent “project site”, with the aim of presiding over the entire maintenance process (inspections, planning, checks in the execution phase, documentation and the organisation of feedback information).

Findings

Although the conservational benefits of the planned maintenance have become apparent with a long-term vision, the service has improved the accessibility and respectability of the ancient city in just a short time, enhancing the enjoyment of it, safety and the conservation of visitor routes. The domus and visitable building complexes are constantly monitored, and in many of them have already borne witness to short- and medium-term maintenance programs.

Originality/value

The service of maintenance which has been set up at Pompeii today constitutes an innovative experimental model, potentially replicable in other sites of archaeological heritage with wide room for improvement.
Establishing evaluation criteria for e-dictionaries
Authors: Ball Liezl H. , Bothma Theo J.D.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify criteria according to which e-dictionaries can be evaluated. Information technology can be used to enhance e-dictionaries, but if not done carefully, information tools that completely overwhelm a user with irrelevant information can be developed. Criteria are necessary according to which e-dictionaries can be developed and evaluated to ensure tools that only provide relevant information on demand.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted to identify trends in lexicography and modern information technology. Previous usability studies were considered to identify key usability issues. The information was synthesised to identify a set of criteria.

Findings

It was found the e-dictionaries should be evaluated according to their content, information architecture, navigation, access (searching and browsing), help, customisation and use of other innovative technologies.

Originality/value

A comprehensive set of criteria has been identified that can be used to evaluate e-dictionaries and to guide lexicographers in the development of e-dictionaries.
The alien tort statute of 1789 and international human rights violations: Kiobel v. royal dutch petroleum co.
Authors: Becker Paula Alexander
Published: January 2018

Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum Co. involves an action under the Alien Tort Statute (ATS). The case was brought in the United States, Southern District of New York, by the widow of Dr. Barinem Kiobel, a Nigerian activist and member of the Ogoni tribe, and others for human rights violations committed in the Niger River Delta. Defendants include Royal Dutch Petroleum, Shell Transport and Trading Co., and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria. Although the human rights violations including murder and torture were allegedly committed by the Nigerian military government, it is claimed that the Royal Dutch Petroleum defendants aided and abetted the Nigerian military in the human rights violations. The plaintiffs had engaged in protests about the environmental damage caused by the Royal Dutch Petroleum defendants in the area of the Niger Delta and the plight of the Ogoni people in Ogoniland. At the trial level, the court decided that certain claims involving violations of the Law of Nations could be heard by the court. However, the case was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which decided that there is a presumption against extraterritoriality in the application of the ATS, and that “mere presence” of a defendant corporation in the United States is insufficient for a court to assume jurisdiction. However, the question remains: What corporate presence would serve as a sufficient basis for a court to assume jurisdiction under the ATS? Given the possibility that corporations could, and perhaps in the future will, be found liable for human rights violations occurring in foreign locales even after Kiobel, prudent risk management behooves corporations and their counsel to monitor whether human rights violations are occurring in connection with their operations, even when those human rights violations are committed by foreign governments or their agents.
Caffeine: a boon or bane
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Kaur Jaspreet , Panghal Anil , Kaur Sawinder , Handa Vanshika
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the sources of caffeine and its utilization in different food products, along with its impact on human health in terms of benefits and adverse effect.

Design/methodology/approach

The papers reviewed were selected based on the following key descriptors such as caffeine, sources, trends of consumption, utilization, benefits and adverse effects, regulation and labelling.

Findings

There are many physiological effects of caffeine on respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, reproductive and central nervous system. It has a positive effect in reducing the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and liver injury and, at the same time, in improving mood, psychomotor performance and immune response. On the other hand, the negative effects of caffeine include addiction, cancer, heart diseases, insomnia, gastrointestinal disturbances and intoxication. As caffeine, when taken in large amount, is harmful, therefore as per the regulatory bodies, its concentration should not exceed the set limit, and its presence needs to be listed on the label of that particular food product. In a nutshell, it can be said that caffeine acts as a boon as well as bane because it possesses both beneficial and adverse effects.

Originality/value

This is a unique and comprehensive review that will provide a brief overview of sources, utilization, healthful as well as harmful effect of caffeine to the readers.
Does internet search intensity predict house prices in emerging markets? A case of India
Authors: Venkataraman Madalasa , Panchapagesan Venkatesh , Jalan Ekta
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether internet search intensity, as captured by Google’s search volume index (SVI), predicts house price changes in an emerging market like India.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data on Google’s SVI for four Indian cities and their corresponding house price index values, the authors examine whether abnormal SVI (growth in search intensity normalized by the national average) impacts abnormal house prices (house price change normalized by the national average).

Findings

Like developed markets such as the USA, the authors find that internet search intensity strongly predicts future house price changes. A simple rebalancing strategy of buying a representative house in the city with the greatest change in search intensity and selling a representative house in the city with the smallest change in search intensity each quarter yields an annualized excess (over risk-free government T-bills) return of 4 percent.

Originality/value

Emerging markets have low internet penetration and high information asymmetry with a dominant unorganized real estate market. The results are interesting as it sheds light on the nature and role of the internet as an infomediary even in emerging markets
No way to say “no”
Authors: Rao Jyoti , Tiwari Piyush , Hutchison Norman
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Property often forms the biggest component of household wealth and assets. Irrespective of landowners’ willingness, the act of compulsory acquisition abruptly ceases the security that this ownership carries. This often induces dissatisfaction among affected landowners over the: loss of “property rights”; loss of commodity, or property; and loss of future opportunities associated with the property. Though there have been attempts in various land acquisition laws and a practice to compensate acquirees for their loss, the dissatisfaction of acquirees has persisted. The persisting resistance of landowners compels deeper insight into the process of compulsory purchase and the compensation mechanism to understand underlying causes for resistance. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent of involvement of these different stakeholders, at various stages in the compulsory purchase process, using stakeholder interaction analysis. Results obtained from this research will be helpful in identifying the gaps in the process of compulsory purchase of land for public projects in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of ten different stakeholder groups has been conducted to inquire the level of interaction of different stakeholders at various stages of compulsory purchase process. A comparative study was then performed to identify the gaps between the advocated process (suggested in the literature) and the process adopted by stakeholders.

Findings

The results illustrate that: affected landowners seek involvement at the initial stage when the project plan is under preparation and compulsory purchase declaration are not finalised; objectors (from the public) seek opportunities to convey, to the public agency, their views even though the accountability of public agencies towards this stakeholder is nil; and strong interactions are established during negotiation over the compensation amount thus signifying the urge of acquirer and acquirees to avoid monetary losses and time delays.

Originality/value

This research will be useful in identification of pain points in the compulsory purchase process for public projects. This shall help in evolution of fairer mechanism of land acquisition.
The study of electrochemical synthesis, properties and composite mechanism of PANI/PVA and PANI/PVA/Ag composite films
Authors: Deng Shu-hao , Wang Yu , Yang Xi
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the conductivity and processability of polyaniline (PANI).

Design/methodology/approach

The study opted for synthesis of the conductive PANI/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite film, co-doped with 5-sulphosalicylic acid and sulphuric acid. Using an electrochemical method, a small amount of silver (Ag) was electrodeposited on the film. The PVA/PANI and PVA/PANI/Ag composite films were characterised by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and infrared. The composite deposition mechanism of the composite film was investigated by cyclic voltammetry for the first time.

Findings

The conductivity of the optimum PVA/PANI composite film reached 21.2 S · cm−1.Then, a small amount of Ag was deposited on the PVA/PANI film, and the conductivity significantly increased by 1250 S · cm−1. Through appropriate degree of stretching, the conductivity of the films was enhanced. The results indicate that uniform PVA/PANI fibres and dendritic Ag can combine to form complete three-dimensional conductive networks that exhibit better conductivity and mechanical properties. The cyclic voltammetry curves reveal that the dedoping potential of PANI was more negative than the reduction potential of Ag. Therefore, the procedure for the deposition of Ag on the PANI/PVA composite film cannot decrease the conductivity.

Practical implications

This paper for the first time described and revealed the effective and practical synthesis approach and composite mechanism to prepare multi-types metal-conductive polymer composites and improve the conductivity of a conductive polymer with a less expense and one-step electrochemical method.

Originality/value

This paper first explored galvanostatic oxidation to synthesise a PANI composite film to resolve the processability and conductivity of PANI by co-doped with mixed acids and deposited Ag on film. Furthermore, for the first time, the composite mechanism of metal and conductive polymer was studied.
Post-records survey inspections in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mutsagondo Samson
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to establish public departments’ compliance with National Archives of Zimbabwe (NAZ)’s records survey recommendations as well as to find out reasons for compliance and non-compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative research used a survey research design and collected data using questionnaires, which were triangulated by document reviews and personal observation. A census approach was used where all 15 public departments upon which post-records survey inspections were conducted by Gweru Records Centre in the Midlands Province in 2016 were involved in the study.

Findings

The study revealed that many public departments in Zimbabwe disregarded records survey recommendations given by NAZ after records surveys. This was despite the fact that NAZ was armed with the National Archives of Zimbabwe Act (1986) which in principle is supposed to induce compliance by client departments. As a result, the records management situation in public departments has not improved much, and in some cases, it has become worse.

Originality/value

A lot has been published about records surveys in Zimbabwe, for example, by Chaterera (2008, 2013), Dewah (2010), Karimanzira and Mutsagondo (2015), Maboreke (2007) and Mutsagondo (2012). These studies have shown the importance of records surveys. However, none of them has evaluated the effectiveness of records surveys by examining the degree of compliance to records survey recommendations by public departments. This study thus scores a first in this regard. The study will enable NAZ to make a cost-benefit analysis of records surveys as well as to use results of this study to effect necessary operational, tactical and strategic decisions as regards the exercise.