bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GRID-seq assisted prediction of transcription factor binding motifs
Authors: Veldsman Werner Pieter
Published: September 2018

Experimental validation of computationally predicted transcription factor binding motifs is desirable. Increased RNA levels in the vicinity of predicted protein-chromosomal binding motifs intuitively suggest regulatory activity. With this intuition in mind, the approach presented here juxtaposes publicly available experimentally derived GRID-seq data with binding motif predictions computationally determined by deep learning models. The aim is to demonstrate the feasibility of using RNA-sequencing data to improve binding motif prediction accuracy. Publicly available GRID-seq scores and computed DeepBind scores could be aggregated by chromosomal region and anomalies within the aggregated data could be detected using mahalanobis distance analysis. A mantel’s test of matrices containing pairwise hamming distances showed significant differences between 1) randomly ranked sequences, 2) sequences ranked by non-GRID-seq assisted scores, and 3) sequences ranked by GRID-seq assisted scores. Plots of mahalanobis ranked binding motifs revealed an inversely proportional relationship between GRID-seq scores and DeepBind scores. Data points with high DeepBind scores but low GRID-seq scores had no DNAse hypersensitivity clusters annotated to their respective sequences. However, DNase hypersensitivity was observed for high scoring DeepBind motifs with moderate GRID-seq scores. Binding motifs of interest were recognized by their deviance from the inversely proportional tendency, and the underlying context sequences of these predicted motifs were on occasion associated with DNAse hypersensitivity unlike the most highly ranked motif scores when DeepBind was used in isolation. This article presents a novel combinatory approach to predict functional protein-chromosomal binding motifs. The two underlying methods are based on recent developments in the fields of RNA sequencing and deep learning, respectively. They are shown to be suited for synergistic use, which broadens the scope of their respective applications.
The ecomorphology of southern African rodent incisors: Potential applications to the hominin fossil record
Authors: Paine Oliver C.C. , Leichliter Jennifer N. , Avenant Nico , Codron Daryl , Lawrence Austin , Sponheimer Matt
Published: September 2018

The taxonomic identification of mammalian fauna within fossil assemblages is a well-established component of paleoenvironmental reconstructions. However, many fragmentary specimens recovered from fossil sites are often disregarded as they can be difficult to identify with the precision required for taxonomic methods. For this reason, the large numbers of isolated rodent incisors that are often recovered from hominin fossil bearing sites have generally been seen as offering little interpretive value. Ecomorphological analysis, often referred to as a “taxon-free” method, can potentially circumvent this problem by focusing on the adaptive, rather than the taxonomic significance of rodent incisor morphology. Here, we determine if the morphology of the upper incisors of modern southern African rodents reflects dietary behavior using discriminant function analysis. Our model suggests that a strong ecomorphological signal exists in our modern sample and we apply these results to two samples of isolated incisors from the hominin fossil bearing sites, Sterkfontein and Swartkrans.
Dipeptidyl dipeptidase-4 inhibitor, MK-0626, promotes bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cell bioactivities for vascular regeneration in diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Salybekov Amankeldi A. , Masuda Haruchika , Miyazaki Kozo , Sheng Yin , Sato Atsuko , Shizuno Tomoko , Iida Yumi , Okada Yoshinori , Asahara Takayuki
Published: September 2018

Metabolic syndrome (MS), overlapping type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and/or hypertension, based on high-fat diet, poses risk for cardiovascular disease. A critical feature associated with such risk is the functional impairment of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Dipeptidyl dipeptidase-4 inhibitors are known not only to inhibit degradation of incretins to control blood glucose levels, but also to improve EPC bioactivity and induce anti-inflammatory effects in tissues. In the present study, we investigated the effects of such an inhibitor, MK-06266, in ischemia model of MS using diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. EPC bioactivity was examined in MK-0626-administered DIO mice and non-treated control group, using an EPC colony-forming assay and bone marrow cKit+ Sca-1+ lineage-cells, and peripheral blood-mononuclear cells. Our results showed that, in vitro, the effect of MK-0626 treatment on EPC bioactivities and differentiation was superior in comparison with non-treatment. Further, in vivo hindlimb ischemia model experiment indicated that microvascular density and pericyte-recruited arteriole number were increased in MK-0626-administered group, but not control group. Lineage profiling of isolated cells from ischemic tissues disclosed that MK-0626 administration has an inhibitory effect on unproductive inflammation. This occurred via a decrease in the influx of total blood cells and pro-inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, total macrophages, M1, total T-cells, cytotoxic T-cells, and B-cells, with a concomitant increase in number of regeneration-associated cells, such as M2/M ratio and Treg/T-helper. Laser Doppler analysis revealed that at day 14 after ischemic injury, blood perfusion in hindlimb was grater in DIO mice treated with MK-0626, but not in control. In conclusion, the dipeptidyl dipeptidase-4 inhibitor has a positive effect on EPC differentiation in MS model of DIO mice. Following ischemic injury, DPP-4 i sharply reduces recruitment of pro-inflammatory cells into ischemic tissue, and triggers regeneration and reparation process. Thus, DPP-4 i is a promising therapeutic agent for MS treatment.
Robust nomenclature and software for enhanced reproducibility in molecular modeling of small molecules
Authors: Dashti Hesam , Wedell Jonathan R. , Cornilescu Gabriel , Schwieters Charles D. , Westler William M. , Markley John L. , Eghbalnia Hamid R.
Published: September 2018

Computational molecular dynamics, energy minimization, and modeling of molecular interactions are widely used in studies involving natural products, metabolites, and drugs. Manually directed computational steps commonly utilize an evolving collection of experimental and computational data, to which new data sources are added or modified as needed. Several software packages capable of incorporating sources of data are available, but the process remains error prone owing to the complexities of preparing and maintaining a consistent set of input files and the proper post-processing of derived data. We have devised a methodology and implemented it using an extensible software pipeline called RUNER (for Robust and Unique Nomenclature for Enhanced Reproducibility) that creates a robust and standardized computational process. The pipeline combines a web service and a graphical user interface (GUI) to enable seamless modifications and verified maintenance of atom force field parameters. The GUI provides an implementation for the widely used molecular modeling software package Xplor-NIH. We describe the RUNER software and demonstrate the rationale for the pipeline through examples of structural studies of small molecules and natural products. The software, pipeline, force field parameters, and file verification data for more than 4,100 compounds (including FDA-approved drugs and natural products) are freely accessible from [http://runer.nmrfam.wisc.edu].

Author Summary

We describe an automated and verifiable computational pipeline for calculating the force field parameters of small molecules. The pipeline integrates several software tools and guarantees reproducibility of the parameters by utilizing a standard nomenclature across multiple computational steps and by maintaining file verification identifiers. We demonstrate the application of this pipeline to (a) processing of more than 4,100 compounds in high-throughput mode, and (b) structural studies of natural products. The graphical user interface (GUI) associated with the pipeline facilitates the manually tedious steps of force field parameters adjustments and supports visualization of the process.
A cellular automaton for modeling non-trivial biomembrane ruptures
Authors: Gupta Abhay , Reint Ganna , Gözen Irep , Taylor Michael
Published: September 2018

A novel cellular automaton (CA) for simulating biological membrane rupture is proposed. Constructed via simple rules governing deformation, tension, and fracture, the CA incorporates ideas from standard percolation models and bond-based fracture methods. The model is demonstrated by comparing simulations with experimental results of a double bilayer lipid membrane expanding on a solid substrate. Results indicate that the CA can capture non-trivial rupture morphologies such as floral patterns and the saltatory dynamics of fractal avalanches observed in experiments. Moreover, the CA provides insight into the poorly understood role of inter-layer adhesion, supporting the hypothesis that the density of adhesion sites governs rupture morphology.
Evolution of embryo implantation was enabled by the origin of decidual cells in eutherian mammals
Authors: Chavan Arun R. , Griffith Oliver W. , Stadtmauer Daniel , Maziarz Jamie , Pavlicev Mihaela , Fishman Ruth , Koren Lee , Romero Roberto , Wagner Günter P.
Published: September 2018

Embryo implantation is the first step in the establishment of pregnancy in eutherian (Placental) mammals. Although viviparity evolved prior to the common ancestor of marsupials and eutherian mammals (therian ancestor), implantation is unique to eutherians. The ancestral therian pregnancy likely involved a short phase of attachment between the fetal and maternal tissues followed by parturition rather than implantation, similar to the mode of pregnancy found in marsupials such as the opossum. Embryo implantation in eutherian mammals as well as embryo attachment in opossum, induce a homologous inflammatory response in the uterus. Here, we elucidate the evolutionary mechanism by which the ancestral inflammatory fetal-maternal attachment was transformed into the process of implantation. We performed a comparative transcriptomic and immunohistochemical study of the gravid and non-gravid uteri of two eutherian mammals, armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) and hyrax (Procavia capensis); a marsupial outgroup, opossum (Monodelphis domestica); and compared it to previously published data on rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). This taxon sampling allows inference of the eutherian ancestral state. Our results show that in the eutherian lineage, the ancestral inflammatory response was domesticated by suppressing a detrimental componentviz. signaling by the cytokine IL17A, while retaining components that are beneficial to placentation,viz. angiogenesis, vascular permeability, remodeling of extracellular matrix. IL17A mediates recruitment of neutrophils to inflamed mucosal tissues, which, if unchecked, can damage the uterus as well as the embryo and lead to expulsion of the fetus. We hypothesized that the uterine decidual stromal cells, which evolved coincidentally with embryo implantation, evolved, in part, to prevent IL17A-mediated neutrophil infiltration. We tested a prediction of this hypothesisin vitro, and showed that decidual stromal cells can suppress differentiation of human naïve T cells into IL17A-producing Th17 cells. Together, these results provide a mechanistic understanding of early stages of the evolution of the eutherian mode of pregnancy, and also identify a potentially ancestral function of an evolutionary novelty, the decidual stromal cell-type.
Truncating Variant Burden in High Functioning Autism and Pleiotropic Effects ofLRP1Across Psychiatric Phenotypes
Authors: Torrico Bàrbara , Shaw Alex D , Mosca Roberto , Vivó-Luque Norma , Hervás Amaia , Fernàndez-Castillo Noèlia , Aloy Patrick , Bayés Monica , Fullerton Janice M. , Cormand Bru , Toma Claudio
Published: September 2018

Previous research has implicatedde novo(DN) and inherited truncating mutations in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We aim to investigate whether the load of inherited truncating mutations contribute similarly to high functioning autism (HFA), and to characterise genes harbouring DN variants in HFA.

We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 20 HFA families (average IQ = 100). No difference was observed in the number of transmitted versus non-transmitted truncating alleles to HFA (117 vs 130,P= 0.32). Transmitted truncating and DN variants in HFA were not enriched in GO or KEGG categories, nor autism-related gene sets. However, in a HFA patient we identified a DN variant in a canonical splice site ofLRP1, a post-synaptic density gene that is a target for the FMRP. This DN leads to in-frame skipping of exon-29, removing 2 of 6 blades of the β-propeller domain-4 of LRP1, with putative functional consequences. Results using large datasets implicateLRP1across psychiatric diseases: i) DN are associated with ASD (P= 0.039) and schizophrenia (P= 0.008) from combined sequencing projects; ii) Common variants using Psychiatric Genomics Consortium GWAS datasets show gene-based association in schizophrenia (P= 6.6E-07) and across six psychiatric diseases (meta-analysisP= 8.1E-05); and iii) burden of ultra-rare pathogenic variants is higher in ASD (P= 1.2E-05), using WES from 6,135 schizophrenia patients, 1,778 ASD patients and 6,245 controls. Previous and current studies suggest an impact of truncating mutations restricted to severe ASD phenotypes associated with intellectual disability. We provide evidence for pleiotropic effects of common and rare variants in theLRP1gene across psychiatric phenotypes.
Temperature preference biases parental genome retention during hybrid evolution
Authors: Heil Caiti Smukowski , Large Christopher R. L. , Patterson Kira , Dunham Maitreya J.
Published: September 2018

Interspecific hybridization can introduce genetic variation that aids in adaptation to new or changing environments. Here we investigate how the environment, and more specifically temperature, interacts with hybrid genomes to alter parental genome representation over time. We evolvedSaccharomyces cerevisiaexSaccharomyces uvarumhybrids in nutrient-limited continuous culture at 15°C for 200 generations. In comparison to previous evolution experiments at 30°C, we identified a number of temperature specific responses, including the loss of theS. cerevisiaeallele in favor of the cryotolerantS. uvarumallele for several portions of the hybrid genome. In particular, we discovered a genotype by environment interaction in the form of a reciprocal loss of heterozygosity event on chromosome XIII. Which species haplotype is lost or maintained is dependent on the parental species temperature preference and the temperature at which the hybrid was evolved. We show that a large contribution to this directionality is due to temperature sensitivity at a single locus, the high affinity phosphate transporterPHO84. This work helps shape our understanding of what forces impact genome evolution after hybridization, and how environmental conditions may favor or disfavor hybrids over time.
Experimental feasibility of dual-energy computed tomography based on the Thomson scattering X-ray source
Authors: Chi Zhijun , Du Yingchao , Yan Lixin , Wang Dong , Zhang Hongze , Huang Wenhui , Tang Chuanxiang
Published: September 2018

Unlike large-scale and expensive synchrotron radiation facilities, the Thomson scattering X-ray source can provide quasi-monochromatic, energy-tunable and high-brightness X-ray pulses with a small footprint and moderate cost, making it an excellent candidate for dual-energy and multi-energy imaging at laboratories and hospitals. Here, the first feasibility study on dual-energy computed tomography (CT) based on this type of light source is reported, and the effective atomic number and electron-density distribution of a standard phantom consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene, water and aluminium is derived. The experiment was carried out at the Tsinghua Thomson scattering X-ray source with peak energies of 29 keV and 68 keV. Both the reconstructed effective atomic numbers and the retrieved electron densities of the three materials were compared with their theoretical values. It was found that these values were in agreement by 0.68% and 2.60% on average for effective atomic number and electron density, respectively. These results have verified the feasibility of dual-energy CT based on the Thomson scattering X-ray source and will further expand the scope of X-ray imaging using this type of light source.
Pyridine-3-carboxamide–telluric acid (1/1)
Authors: Fábry Jan
Published: September 2018

In the title structure, C6H6N2O·H6O6Te, the pyridine-3-carboxamide and telluric acid molecules are interconnected by conventional O—H...N, N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds of moderate strength as well as by π–π interactions between the pyridine rings. The strongest hydrogen bond in the structure is formed between a hydroxyl group of the H6TeO6molecule and theN-pyrimidine N atom. The structure is unusual because of presence of the alternating sheets, which contain H6TeO6and pyridine-3-carboxamide molecules, respectively. These sheets are aligned parallel to (001).
A dibenzofuran derivative: 2-(pentyloxy)dibenzo[b,d]furan
Authors: Goyal Navneet , Donahue James P. , Do Camilla , Perry Timothy , Bongay-Williams Kyla , Foroozesh Maryam
Published: September 2018

The title compound, C17H18O2, crystallizes in two-dimensional sheets, in which the 2-(pentyloxy)dibenzo[b,d]furan molecules are arranged in a head-to-head and tail-to-tail fashion that enables hydrophobic interactions between fully extended 2-pentoxy chains and π–π stacking between dibenzofuran rings in adjacent rings. Nearest intermolecular π-π stacking contacts are 3.3731 (12) Å. The molecule is nearly planar with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.0803 Å from the mean plane defined by the nineteen non-hydrogen atoms.
3-[2-(3-Nitrophenyl)hydrazin-1-ylidene]pentane-2,4-dione
Authors: Marten Jan , Seichter Wilhelm , Weber Edwin
Published: September 2018

The title compound, C11H11N3O4, crystallizes with three independent but conformationally similar molecules in the asymmetric unit. The plane through the pentane-2,4-dione moiety of the molecule is inclined at angles of 10.1 (1), 10.6 (1) and 17.4 (1)° with regard to the respective arene ring. In the crystal, the molecules are connected via Carene—H...Onitro and Carene—H...O=C interactions into supramolecular sheets. Molecules of consecutive sheets are linked by Cmethyl—H...O bonds.
Study on electrochemical behavior of 690 alloy with corrosion products in simulated PWR primary water environment
Authors: Cheng Xuequn , Zuo Xiao Mei
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the electrochemical behavior of 690 alloy with corrosion products in simulated pressurized water reactor (PWR) primary water environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper opted for a laboratory study using simulation of high temperature and high pressure environment immersion testing. The electrochemical behavior was studied by potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKP). Moreover, the corrosion products were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Findings

The results demonstrated that the particle majority in the 690 alloy corrosion products subsequent to high temperature and high pressure immersion testing were mainly oxides of Fe and Ni, which protected the matrix. As the immersion testing duration increased, the corrosion potential of the 690 alloy apparently increased, and the corrosion current density de'creased, while the corrosion resistance Rf increased gradually along with the density. The SKP demonstrated that the EKP increased by nearly 400 mV from −0.42 to −0.03 V following the immersion testing, indicating that the corrosion product film played an apparent protective role on the substrate.

Originality/value

This paper provides a theoretical basis for the corrosion behavior and inhibition mechanism of 690 alloy in PWR primary water environment.
The concreteness of searching module icons and their effectiveness in digital library applications
Authors: Rahrovani Sanaz , Mirzabeigi Mahdieh , Abbaspour Javad
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the concreteness of searching module icons and their effectiveness in Iranian digital library applications.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was a correlational survey whose participants consisted of two groups, namely, users and experts. The former consisted of 174 users, all of whom were included because of their scarcity, and the latter included ten experts of knowledge and information science. First, the effective and non-effective icons were identified by users. Then, their concreteness was investigated by the expert participants.

Findings

The results of the study showed a significant relationship between the concreteness of icons and their effectiveness, meaning that the more concrete, the more effective the icon was, and vice versa. Furthermore, it was shown that the effective icons were representational and semi-abstract, whereas non-effective ones were very abstract.

Practical implications

The designers, especially digital library practitioners, should use icons that distinguish themselves as effective icons, and avoid using non-effective ones. It is suggested that they apply representational icons more.

Social implications

The designers of mobile interfaces and public environments, such as social networks, transportation systems and so forth, can use icons in their user interfaces that are more effective when they are perceived with more concreteness.

Originality/value

The investigation of the relation between the concreteness of icons and their effectiveness may help determine effective and non-effective icons. It can also be of help to designers to satisfy user needs and improve their site’s performance through using effective icons.
Fluid-mechanic interactions between a pipe flow having circumferential pressure variations and a piezometer ring
Authors: Ghosh Abhimanyu , Sparrow Eph , Gorman John
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate and understand the fluid mechanics of piezometer rings, a device frequently encountered in engineering practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation, implemented by numerical simulation, is based on turbulent flow in a pipe with a 90-degree bend. The pipe Reynolds numbers ranged from approximately 50,000 to 200,000. Two rings, with different dimensions, were investigated. Each ring consisted of four radially deployed straight segments of tubing which connect the pipe to a surrounding circular ring. The interconnections between the pipe and the ring were situated at 90-degree intervals around the circumference of the pipe.

Findings

The focus was directed to optimal circumferential locations of the radial connections, the optimal circumferential locations for accurate pressure measurements and the pressure drop penalty incurred by the use of a piezometer ring. For both of the investigated piezometer ring configurations, it was found that measurement locations situated just beyond the points of intermediate circumferential pressure variations were suitable for determining accurate values. The pressure drop was seen to increase because of the presence of the ring. For the smaller ring configuration, the increase in relative pressure drop was on the order 15 per cent, whereas the larger ring configuration lead to a 10 per cent increase.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt known to the authors to investigate and understand the fluid mechanics of piezometer rings.
Application of the AIDA model
Authors: Pashootanizadeh Mitra , Khalilian Saideh
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to measure how effective television programs are in persuading teenagers to use public libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a descriptive survey. The statistical population includes all members of public libraries in the City of Isfahan aged between 12 and 16 years (N = 920). Using Cochran’s formula, the sample size was determined to be 270 individuals. The data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire survey instrument whose validity was confirmed by Library and Information Science experts. Furthermore, the reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed via “Cronbach’s alpha” in the pilot test with 0.73. Having a return rate of 85.93 per cent, the authors were able to analyze 232 sets of responses.

Findings

Based on the authors’ findings, television programs are only able to satisfy the first stage of the model (i.e. Attention). So, its role in encouraging teenagers to use public libraries is not significant. Among the items of the model, “Desirability and interest in the program” and “Persuading teenagers to use public libraries” were found to be the most and least effective items, respectively, with average responses of 8.42 and 5.13. Moreover, television shows categorized as kids/teenagers were most likely to attract the target audience to libraries.

Originality/value

There is no any similar study in this scope, especially in the Middle East, where watching the television remains a mainstream activity for teenagers. It is for the first time that AIDA model is used for measuring the effectiveness of television programs in persuading teenagers to use public libraries in Iran.
K-12 teachers’ perceptions of Web 2.0 applications in the United Arab Emirates?
Authors: Almekhlafi Abdurrahman G. , Abulibdeh Enas Said Ali
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate 152 pre-service and in-service school teachers’ perceptions toward Web 2.0 applications and their usage in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was used. The data were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests. The descriptive statistics were used to identify teachers’ perceptions toward Web 2.0 applications and their usage. The t-test was used to investigate the differences in perceptions between groups due to gender, and experience using computers and the Internet. The results showed that teachers have high perception toward Web 2.0 tools and services, but the extent to which they use Web 2.0 applications is somehow moderate. Moreover, no statistically significant differences in perception toward Web 2.0 were detected due to gender or experience using computers and the internet. Recommendations and suggestions for improving Web 2.0 integration into teaching and learning are proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted the quantitative research approach using a questionnaire for data collection. The questionnaire was designed to investigate teachers’ perceptions of using Web 2.0 applications as a method for teaching and learning purposes.

Findings

The results showed high self-perception of teachers toward Web 2.0 and their use for improving students’ performance, which can be attributed to their awareness of Web 2.0 importance and benefit in education. On the other hand, results indicated a low use of most of Web 2.0 tools such as microblogging, audio file sharing, photo sharing and content developing. Again, these findings can be attributed to the lack of professional training on using Web 2.0. In addition, the results did not show significant differences between male and female teachers in using Web 2.0 applications with the exception of two items. Neither did the results show any significant differences between teachers who are beginners in using computers and the internet and teachers who are advanced. This could be because beginner users of computers and the internet have the same motivation as the advances users pertaining to teaching.

Originality/value

There must be an extensive training for teachers on how to use Web 2.0 tools to enhance their teaching. Infrastructure for the internet should be available so that teachers can use Web 2.0 without worrying about the technology infrastructure at their schools. More research studies should be conducted regarding the use of Web 2.0 by teachers and students alike. A qualitative and quantitative method of data collection should be used when investigating different aspects of Web 2.0. A comparison between K-12 teachers and higher education faculty members should be conducted pertaining to the use of Web 2.0 for education. A comparison study between pre-service and in-service teachers should be conducted to investigate Web 2.0 tools for educational and personal purposes.
The development and validation of the scholar–practitioner research development scale for students enrolled in professional doctoral programs
Authors: Rockinson-Szapkiw Amanda
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate the scholar–practitioner research development scale (SPRDS), an instrument to assess research competencies of students enrolled in professional doctoral programs.

Design/methodology/approach

In this instrument development study, an expert panel established the content valid. A factor analysis and internal consistency analysis was used to examine the validity and reliability of the instrument.

Findings

An expert panel deemed the scale as content valid. Results of a factor analysis and internal consistency analysis demonstrated that the scale is both valid and reliable, consisting of five subscales.

Research limitations/implications

The current study provides evidence that the scholar–SPRDS is a valid and reliable instrument to assess research characteristics professional doctorate students’ research competencies, which can be used to extend research on the development of doctoral students in professional doctorate programs.

Practical implications

The instrument can be a useful tool to assess and inform the faculty and administrators about their students, the curriculum and program resources.

Social implications

Equipped with an instrument such as this, faculty and administrators are better armed to assess students’ growth thought out the program, and, in turn, design and deliver research curriculum and mentorship that assists students in developing as scholar–practitioners, which may ultimately lead to success in the program and beyond, impacting the society.

Originality/value

There is not a formal or standardized scale to evaluate if professional doctoral students are progressing and developing as practitioner-scholars through their professional doctoral programs. There is not a standardized or universally adopted assessment to determine if professional doctoral programs are meeting the goals and objectives they have set forth. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and to determine the validity and reliability of a scale to measure a scholar–practitioner’s research competencies in a professional doctoral program.
Analysis of interactions among the enablers of mass customization
Authors: Ullah Inayat , Narain Rakesh
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Current dynamic and turbulent business environment calls for adopting newer strategies so that organizations can create a niche for itself in the market, mass customization (MC) being one of them. The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical enablers necessary to realize the objectives of MC, study the relationship among them and prioritize them in order of their importance so that a clear roadmap can be easily prepared for successful implementation of MC.

Design/methodology/approach

A portfolio of enablers of MC has been elicited from a thorough review of literature and experts’ opinion. Then, contextually relevant relations are chosen for each pair. In addition, a hierarchy-based structural model is developed by using Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) technique.

Findings

The findings classify the enablers into different groups according to their driving and dependence power. The findings show the enablers of strategic importance that need focused attention. This paper develops a structural model including hierarchy of enablers that forms a basis for the firms considering transition to MC.

Practical implications

This paper allows the firms to differentiate the dependent and independent variables and their mutual relationships, also by identifying and establishing the connection and relationships among the enabling practices; firms can better prioritize the resources and implementation effort to successfully provide each customer exactly they want.

Originality/value

This paper happens to be one of the first of its kind in the area of mass customization research that presents a contextual model having a hierarchy of enablers.
Municipal response to the Great Recession
Authors: Christian Cary , Bush Jonathan
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the Great Recession on small- to medium-sized municipalities within the states of Georgia and Florida using a newly developed set of quantitative indices.

Design/methodology/approach

An examination of the methods and strategies utilized by individual cities to maintain public service levels despite distressed revenues is performed. From the data, performance measures are developed and used to evaluate the efficacy of the various strategies used by the cities. Outcomes of Georgia municipalities were compared to similarly sized Florida municipalities to study how underlying differences in tax structures and economies might have affected those outcomes.

Findings

Georgia and Florida municipalities relied on very different strategies for surviving the recession and its aftermath. Enterprise activities were critically important in both states with transfers to or from governmental activities rationalized in various ways. While Georgia is generally anti-property tax, more than half the Georgia municipalities relied on property tax increases to survive. Municipalities were unable to count on increased intergovernmental revenues during the recession. Finally, even with a tourist activity advantage, Florida municipalities fared only marginally better during and just after the recession, and fared worse four to six years post-recession.

Practical implications

The measures developed in this study provide a new, customizable methodology for the evaluation of financial condition that does not require in-depth comparisons to peers.

Social implications

Small- and medium-sized cities, and especially those in rural areas, are worthy of targeted research to better understand their unique problems.

Originality/value

This research is novel in utilizing a fiscal condition methodology that can be applied to a single municipality and does not require comparisons to peers for validity. However, it represents a very intuitive and customizable tool for making comparisons between municipalities of any size when such comparisons are desired. Additionally, the focus of this study is on small- to medium-sized municipalities which generally do not receive as much research attention as larger cities.
Utilization of grape powder in the development of chocolate and caramel coated designer chhana delights
Authors: Simranjeet Kaur , Kumar Sunil , Ramandeep Kaur
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effect of grape powder on the proximate, physicochemical and sensory quality of chocolate- and caramel-coated chhana (traditional dairy product obtained by acid coagulation of hot milk) delights.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was designed to evaluate the effect of grape powder on the quality characteristics of chocolate- and caramel-coated chhana delights. The product was developed by incorporating different levels of grape powder (2, 4 and 6 per cent), and further, the product was analysed for proximate, physicochemical and sensory parameters.

Findings

In chocolate-coated chhana delights, moisture (p = 0.01), ash (p = 0.03) and water activity (p = 0.02) increased significantly at 6 per cent level of grape powder incorporation, whereas pH (p > 0.01) showed a significant decreasing trend at 4 and 6 per cent level of grape powder incorporation. Chocolate coating loss (p = 0.02) was found to be significantly higher at 6 per cent level of addition. Cooking yield (p > 0.01) of chocolate-coated chhana delights increased significantly at 4 and 6 per cent level of grape powder incorporation. In caramel-coated chhana delights, moisture (p > 0.01) and ash (p = 0.02) content increased significantly at 6 per cent level of grape powder addition, and pH (p > 0.01) value decreased significantly at 6 per cent level of grape powder addition, whereas results were found to be vice versa in case of water activity (p = 0.01) and titratable acidity (p = 0.03) at 6 per cent level of grape powder addition.

Originality/value

Designer confection could be developed for school going children by incorporating grape powder in the formulation of chocolate- and caramel-coated chhana delights.
CEOs’ extensive term of office inhibits discretionary accruals
Authors: Dal Magro Cristian Baú , Klann Roberto Carlos , Mondini Vanessa Edy Dagnoni
Published: September 2018

Purpose

CEOs’ (chief executive officer) term of office may explain discretionary accruals as a result of opportunistic behavior arising during certain periods of the term of office. Therefore, CEOs, in their early years of office, have incentives to report results that meet market expectations. In turn, CEOs in their senior year may be motivated to use discretionary accruals to gain private benefits. In this scenario, corporate governance mechanisms play an important role in monitoring relationships. Hence, the purpose of this study is to verify the influence of monitoring mechanisms on the relationship between CEOs’ term of office and discretionary accruals.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive statistics, multiple cross-sectional regression to estimate the accruals and regression of panel data to test the hypotheses were used. The sample comprised 195 companies listed on BM&FBovespa.

Findings

The results indicated that CEOs’ long term of office has a negative impact on the level of discretionary accruals, and thus, Brazilian CEOs with a longer term of office tend to establish a certain reputation in the stock market. On the other hand, it is concluded that CEOs’ intentions, in the first years of term, are positively related to the use of accruals and that the monitoring mechanisms can minimize these CEOs’ opportunistic practices.

Originality/value

The results broaden the literature on corporate governance, pointing that different systems of variable remuneration may influence CEOs’ willingness to manage results in their last year of term.
Investigation on the process and microstructure evolution during direct laser metal deposition of 18Ni300
Authors: Chen Bo , Huang Yuhua , Gu Tao , Tan Caiwang , Feng Jicai
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Additive manufacturing is a fabrication technology with flexibility and economy. 18Ni300 is one of maraging steels with ultra-high strength, superior toughness, so it is an excellent candidate of structural material. This paper aims to explore the feasibility of using direct laser metal deposition method to fabricate18Ni300, and the evolution of its microstructure and defects is studied.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiments were conceived from single-trace-single-layer (STSL) test to multi-trace-multi-layers (MTML) test via single-trace-multi-layers (STML) test. The microstructure, defects and mechanical properties were analyzed.

Findings

The STML results showed that the columnar/equiaxed transformation occurred at the top part and the grain size increased with the layer number increasing, and it was explained by an innovative attempt combining columnar/equiaxed transformation model and the change of grain size. The MTML test with the interlayer orthogonal parallel reciprocating scanning pattern resulted in the grain growing along orthogonal directions; with the increase of overlap rate, the length and the area of the columnar grain decreased. What is more, the later deposition layer had lower micro-hardness value because of heat history.

Originality/value

Direct laser metal deposition method was a novel additive manufacturing method to manufacture 18Ni300 components, as 18Ni300 maraging steel was mainly manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM) method nowadays. It was useful to manufacture maraging steel parts using direct laser deposition method because it could manufacture larger parts than SLM method. Influence of processing parameters on forming quality and microstructure evolution was studied. The findings will be helpful to understand the forming mechanism of laser additive manufacturing of 18Ni300 components.
Fully resolved numerical simulations of fused deposition modeling. Part II – solidification, residual stresses and modeling of the nozzle
Authors: Xia Huanxiong , Lu Jiacai , Tryggvason Gretar
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to continue to describe the development of a comprehensive methodology for fully resolved numerical simulations of fused deposition modeling.

Design/methodology/approach

A front-tracking/finite volume method introduced in Part I to simulate the heat transfer and fluid dynamics of the deposition of a polymer filament on a fixed bed is extended by adding an improved model for the injection nozzle, including the shrinkage of the polymer as it cools down, and accounting for stresses in the solid.

Findings

The accuracy and convergence properties of the new method are tested by grid refinement, and the method is shown to produce convergent solutions for the shape of the filament, the temperature distribution, the shrinkage and the solid stresses.

Research limitations/implications

The method presented in the paper focuses on modeling the fluid flow, the cooling and solidification and volume changes and residual stresses, using a relatively simple viscoelastic constitutive model. More complex material models, depending, for example, on the evolution of the conformation tensor, are not included.

Practical implications

The ability to carry out fully resolved numerical simulations of the fused deposition process is expected to be critical for the validation of mathematical models for the material behavior, to help explore new deposition strategies and to provide the “ground truth” for the development of reduced-order models.

Originality/value

The paper completes describing the development of the first numerical method for fully resolved simulation of fused filament modeling.
Investigation of ABS-rice straw composite feedstock filament for FDM
Authors: Osman Mohammed Ali , Atia Mostafa R.A.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the development of a cost-effective acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-rice straw (RS) composite filament for use in fused deposition modelling (FDM) and the effect of RS content on the mechanical properties of the developed filament.

Design/methodology/approach

RS and ABS were processed and mixed at varying fibre content (5-15 per cent). Filament using each mixture was produced using a single screw extruder. Tensile, flexural and water absorption specimens were prepared using a FDM machine. The mechanical properties were then tested following ASTM standards. Scanning electron microscope images of the specimens were also taken.

Findings

Tensile properties decreased as the RS content increased. However, specimens with a 0° raster angle showed better tensile properties than the 45° raster angle specimens, indicating that tensile properties of FDM parts are anisotropic. Flexural properties decreased as fibre content increased but increased at 15 per cent fibre content. Water absorption of the composite increased as the fibre content increased.

Originality/value

This paper highlights a new method of disposing of rice straw waste, by producing an ABS-RS filament for FDM. The resultant filament is cost-effective and can be used to produce cheap prototypes. This paper is the first that studies ABS-RS composites in FDM.
AnyAbility: creating a library service model for adults with disabilities
Authors: McGowan Suzanne , Martinez Hannah , Marcilla Marsha
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate the importance of a cultural shift to fully embrace and serve persons with cognitive, intellectual or physical disabilities into the library community.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a combination of staff training, age- and ability-appropriate programming, accommodating service models, management-led expectations and partnerships, Anythink Libraries in Thornton, Colorado, implemented AnyAbility – a program designed especially for adults with disabilities – in April 2014.

Findings

AnyAbility’s success has led to a number of positive impacts, including increased services and collaboration, shifts in user patterns and independent visits and a more inclusive library environment in which staff have increased awareness and a stronger interaction with this population.

Originality/value

The program has transformed the lives of the staff who work at Anythink Wright Farms and the community of Anythinkers who use transformations, the AnyAbility programming has been offered at multiple Anythink locations and libraries from across the country have contacted Anythink for inspiration and advice on programs and training on this topic. Most importantly, this approach has transformed the library experience for customers, specifically adults with cognitive disabilities.
The experiences of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder: Managing family routines and mothers’ health and wellbeing
Authors: McAuliffe Tomomi , Thomas Yvonne , Vaz Sharmila , Falkmer Torbjorn , Cordier Reinie
Published: September 2018

Background/aim

Families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) use family routines to provide predictability and structure to support occupational engagement of their family members. Mothers assume the major role to orchestrate occupations in constructing family routines, which may impact their health and wellbeing. However, the experiences of mothers in managing family routines and their health and wellbeing have not been the main focus in previous research. Thus, this study explored the experiences of mothers of children with ASD in managing family routines and their perceptions of the impact of family routines on their health and wellbeing.

Methods

An interpretive phenomenological approach was used. Twenty mothers of children with ASD, aged between 28 and 56 years, participated in semi‐structured interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim and each transcript was analysed.

Results

Five themes that summarise mothers’ perceptions towards health and wellbeing when managing family routines emerged: (i) Keeping on track keeping healthy; (ii) My life is busy, because I do everything for everyone else; (iii) Keeping on track all the time is tiring or frustrating; (iv) Looking after my family by looking after myself; and (v) I am not perfect and it is OK.

Conclusion

This study highlighted the substantial efforts required in constructing family routines that may be at the cost of mothers’ health and wellbeing. However, mothers may be able to cope with everyday demands in managing family routines by changing their perspectives. By integrating ‘me‐time’ activities in family routines, mothers may be able to support their own health and wellbeing. Mothers’ values and needs are reflected in family routines; hence, thorough understanding of family routines may be a key to support mothers’ occupational engagement.