bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Gonorrhea Prevalence
Authors: Pharaon Joe , Bauch Chris T.
Published: August 2019

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been shown to be highly effective in reducing the risk of HIV infection in gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (GbMSM). However, PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In some populations, PrEP has also led to riskier behaviour such as reduced condom usage, with the result that the prevalence of bacterial STIs like gonorrhea has increased. Here we develop a compartmental model of the transmission of HIV and gonorrhea, and the impacts of PrEP, condom usage, STI testing frequency and potential changes in sexual risk behaviour stemming from the introduction of PrEP in a population of GbMSM. We find that introducing PrEP causes an increase in gonorrhea prevalence for a wide range of parameter values, including at the current recommended frequency of STI testing once every 3 months for individuals on PrEP. Moreover, the model predicts that a higher STI testing frequency alone is not enough to prevent a rise in gonorrhea prevalence, unless the testing frequency is increased to impractical levels. However, testing every 2 months in combination with sufficiently high condom usage by individuals on PrEP would be successful in maintaining gonorrhea prevalence at pre-PrEP levels. The results emphasize that programs making PrEP more available should be accompanied by efforts to support condom usage and frequent STI testing, in order to avoid an increase in the prevalence of gonorrhea and other bacterial STIs.
Transmission Dynamics of and Insights from the 2018-2019 Measles Outbreak in New York City: A Modeling Study
Authors: Yang Wan
Published: August 2019

In 2018-2019, New York City experienced the largest measles outbreak in the US in nearly three decades. To identify key factors contributing to this outbreak to aid future public health interventions, here we developed a model-inference system to infer the transmission dynamics of measles in the affected community, based on incidence data. Our results indicate that delayed vaccination of young children aged 1-4 years enabled the initial spread of measles and that increased infectious contact among this age group, likely via gatherings intended to expose unvaccinated children (i.e. “measles parties”), further aggravated the outbreak and led to widespread of measles beyond this age group. We found that around half of infants were susceptible to measles by age 1 (the age-limit to receive the first vaccine dose in the US); as such, infants experienced a large number of infections during the outbreak. We showed that without the implemented vaccination campaigns, the outbreak severity including numbers of infections and hospitalizations would be 10 times higher and predominantly affect infants and children under 4. These results suggest that recommending the first vaccine dose before age 1 and the second dose before age 4 could allow pro-vaccine parents to vaccinate and protect infants and young children more effectively, should high level of vaccine hesitancy persist. In addition, enhanced public health education is needed to reduce activities that unnecessarily expose children to measles and other infections.
Adverse childhood experiences in families with multiple members diagnosed to have psychiatric illnesses
Authors: Someshwar Amala , Holla Bharath , Agarwal Preeti Pansari , Thomas Anza , Jose Anand , Joseph Bobin , Raju Birudu , Karle Hariprasad , Muthukumaran M , Kodancha Prabhath G , Kumar Pramod , Reddy Preethi V , Nadella Ravi Kumar , Naik Sanjay T , Mitra Sayantanava , Mallappagiri Sreenivasulu , Sreeraj Vanteemar S , Balachander Srinivas , Ganesh Suhas , Murthy Pratima , Benegal Vivek , Reddy Janardhan Y. C. , Jain Sanjeev , Mahadevan Jayant , Viswanath Biju
Published: August 2019

Objective

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are linked to the development of a number of psychiatric illnesses in adulthood. Our study examined the pattern of ACEs and their relation to the age of onset (AAO) of major psychiatric conditions in individuals from families that had ≥ 2 first degree relatives with major psychiatric conditions (multiplex families) identified as part of an ongoing longitudinal study.

Methods

Our sample consisted of 509 individuals from 215 families. Of these, 268 were affected i.e diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BPAD) (n=61), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (n=58), schizophrenia (n=52), substance dependence (SUD) (n=59), or co-occurring diagnoses (n=38); while 241 were at-risk first degree relatives (FDRs) who were either unaffected (n=210) or had other depressive or anxiety disorders (n=31). All individuals were evaluated using the Adverse Childhood Experiences – International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) and ACE binary and frequency scores were calculated.

Results

It was seen that affected males, as a group, had the greatest ACE scores in our sample. A cox mixed-effects model fit by gender revealed that higher ACE binary and frequency scores were associated with significantly increased risk for an earlier AAO of psychiatric diagnoses in males. A similar model that evaluated the effect of diagnosis revealed an earlier AAO in OCD and SUD, but not in schizophrenia and BPAD.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that ACEs brought forward the onset of major psychiatric conditions in men and in individuals diagnosed with OCD and SUD. Ongoing longitudinal assessments in FDRs from these families are expected to identify mechanisms underlying this relationship.
Whatman FTA®cards versus plasma specimens for the quantitation of HIV-1 RNA using two Real-Time PCR assays
Authors: Yacouba Abdourahamane , Congo Malika , Dioma Gérard Komonsira , Somlaré Hermann , Coulidiaty David , Ouattara Kalifa , Sangare Lassana
Published: August 2019

Background

Several studies have been conducted to compare the use DBS as alternative to plasma specimens, but mainly using Whatman 903®cards as filter paper. The aim of this study was to evaluate Whatman FTA®cards (FTA cards) specimens for HIV-1 viral load testing by comparing it to plasma specimens, using 2 real-Time PCR assays.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2017 and September 2017, in HIV-1 patients admitted at Yalgado Ouédraogo teaching hospital. Paired FTA cards and plasma specimens were collected and analyzed using Abbott RealTime HIV-1 assay (Abbott) and COBAS®AmpliPrep/COBAS®TaqMan v2.0 (Roche), following manufacturers’ protocol.

Results

A total of 107 patients were included. No Statistical differences (p-value > 0.05) were observed between the mean viral loads obtained from FTA cards and plasma specimens with Roche and Abbott assays. Twenty-nine samples with Roche and 15 samples with Abbott assay showed discrepant results. At viral loads of ≤1000 copies/mL, the sensitivity and specificity of FTA cards were 78.6%, and 100% with Roche, and 92.3% and 95.9% with Abbott. Strong correlation was found between FTA cards and plasma specimens with both assays. With Roche, Bland-Altman analysis showed bias of −0.3 and 95% limits of agreement of −2.6 to 1.8 log10, with 97/99 cases (97.9%) within agreement limits. With Abbott, Bland-Altman analysis showed bias of −0.1 and 95% limits of agreement of −2.3 to 2.1 log10, with 96/99 cases (96.9%) within agreement limits.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated the feasibility of using FTA cards filter paper for HIV-1 viral load testing. However, further studies are required for FTA cards filter paper validation in HIV-1 treatment monitoring.
Characterization of resistance to a potent D-peptide HIV entry inhibitor
Authors: Smith Amanda R. , Weinstock Matthew T. , Siglin Amanda E. , Whitby Frank G. , Nicholas Francis J. , Hill Christopher P. , Eckert Debra M. , Root Michael J. , Kay Michael S.
Published: August 2019

Background

PIE12-trimer is a highly potent D-peptide HIV-1 entry inhibitor that broadly targets group M isolates. It specifically binds the three identical conserved hydrophobic pockets at the base of the gp41 N-trimer with sub-femtomolar affinity. This extremely high affinity for the transiently exposed gp41 trimer provides a reserve of binding energy (resistance capacitor) to combat resistance via stepwise accumulation of modest affinity-disrupting mutations. Viral passaging in the presence of escalating PIE12-trimer concentrations ultimately selected for PIE12-trimer resistant populations, but required an extremely extended timeframe (>1 year) in comparison to other entry inhibitors. Eventually, HIV developed resistance to PIE12-trimer by mutating Q577 in the gp41 pocket.

Results

Using deep sequence analysis, we identified three mutations at Q577 (R, N and K) in our two PIE12-trimer resistant pools. Each point mutant is capable of conferring the majority of PIE12-trimer resistance seen in the polyclonal pools. Surface plasmon resonance studies demonstrated substantial affinity loss between PIE12-trimer and the Q577R-mutated gp41 pocket. A high-resolution x-ray crystal structure of PIE12 bound to the Q577R pocket revealed the loss of two hydrogen bonds, the repositioning of neighboring residues, and a small decrease in buried surface area. The Q577 mutations in an NL4-3 backbone decreased viral growth rates. Fitness was ultimately rescued in resistant viral pools by a suite of compensatory mutations in gp120 and gp41, of which we identified seven candidates from our sequencing data.

Conclusions

These data show that PIE12-trimer exhibits a high barrier to resistance, as extended passaging was required to develop resistant virus with normal growth rates. The primary resistance mutation, Q577R/N/K, found in the conserved gp41 pocket, substantially decreases inhibitor affinity but also damages viral fitness. Identified candidate compensatory mutations in gp160 will be the focus of future mechanistic studies.
Long distance retrograde degeneration of the retino-geniculo-cortical pathway in homonymous hemianopia
Authors: Rajanala Alekya P. , Shariati Mohammad A. , Liao Yaping Joyce
Published: August 2019

Long-distance retrograde degeneration of the retino-geniculo-cortical pathway has been described in humans and animal models following injury to the brain. In this study, we used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure the severity and timing of retrograde degeneration after post-chiasmal visual pathway lesions in patients with homonymous hemianopia. We performed a retrospective study of 69 patients with homonymous hemianopia and analyzed high quality OCT macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). Patients with lesions involving the optic tract and thalamus were included in the anterior group, while patients with lesions of the occipital lobe were included in the posterior group. Statistical significance was determined using Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon test. We found that in patients with homonymous hemianopia, those with anterior lesion exhibited earlier and more severe thinning compared with the posterior group. In fact, thinning can occur within 2 months after insult in the anterior group. Within 6 months of onset, the anterior group exhibited about 5 times more hemi-macular GCC thinning than those with acquired lesions of the posterior visual pathway (P = 0.0023). Although the severity of hemi-macular GCC thinning was different, the majority of hemi-macular thinning occurred within the first 6 months in both groups. Beyond 2 years, thinning in those with acquired anterior and posterior lesions was minimal, except in a small number of patients with multiple insults to the occipital lobe. In conclusion, using OCT, we measured the severity and rate of long-distance, retrograde degeneration in patients with homonymous hemianopia. Homonymous hemi-macular thinning after optic tract and thalamic injury was more severe and occurred earlier compared with thinning after occipital lobe insult via trans-synaptic degeneration. The presence of severe hemi-macular degeneration on OCT provides objective evidence that localizes the lesion to the post-chiasmal anterior visual pathway.
FMO1 catalyzes the production of taurine from hypotaurine
Authors: Veeravalli Sunil , Phillips Ian R. , Freire Rafael T. , Varshavi Dorsa , Everett Jeremy R. , Shephard Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2019

Taurine is one of the most abundant amino acids in mammalian tissues. It is obtained from the diet and byde novosynthesis, from cysteic acid or hypotaurine. Despite the discovery in 1954 that the oxygenation of hypotaurine produces taurine, the identification of an enzyme catalyzing this reaction has remained elusive. In large part this is due to the incorrect assignment, in 1962, of the enzyme as a NAD-dependent hypotaurine dehydrogenase. For more than 55 years the literature has continued to refer to this enzyme as such. Here we show, bothin vivoandin vitro, that the enzyme that oxygenates hypotaurine to produce taurine is flavin-containing monooxygenase 1 (FMO1). Metabolite analysis of the urine ofFmo1-null mice by1H NMR spectroscopy revealed a build-up of hypotaurine and a deficit of taurine in comparison with the concentrations of these compounds in the urine of wild-type mice.In vitroassays confirmed that FMO1 of human catalyzes the conversion of hypotaurine to taurine utilizing either NADPH or NADH as co-factor. FMO1 has a wide substrate range and is best known as a xenobiotic- or drug-metabolizing enzyme. The identification that the endogenous molecule hypotaurine is a substrate for the FMO1-catalyzed production of taurine resolves a long-standing mystery. This finding should help establish the role FMO1 plays in a range of biological processes in which taurine or its deficiency is implicated, including conjugation of bile acids, neurotransmitter, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory functions, the pathogenesis of obesity and skeletal muscle disorders.
Temperature dependent sex-biased gene expression in the gametophytes of the kelpSaccharina latissima
Authors: Monteiro Cátia , Heinrich Sandra , Bartsch Inka , Valentin Klaus Ulrich , Corre Erwan , Collén Jonas , Harms Lars , Glöckner Gernot , Bischof Kai
Published: August 2019

Saccharina latissimais an economically and ecologically relevant kelp species in Europe and North America. In kelps, the sexuality is expressed during the haploid life stage and the microscopic gametophytes exhibit significant sexual dimorphism. To understand the sex-dependent impact of temperature on the gametophyte stage, we analyzed for the first time, gene expression profiles of male and female gametophytes at three different temperatures (4°C, 12°C and 20°C) characteristic for the species distribution range by using RNA-sequencing. We identified several differentially expressed genes between sexes; while female biased genes were enriched in general metabolism and energy production, male biased genes function within cell cycle and signaling. In our study, temperature modulated sex-biased gene expression, with only a small percentage of differentially expressed genes consistently male (7%) or female-biased (12%) at the three temperatures. Female gametophytes responded stronger to higher temperatures than males, suggesting that males are more heat tolerant. Differences betweenS. latissimaand other brown algal gender-dependent gene expression might mirror the different evolutionary and ecological contexts. Genomic information on kelp gametophyte is still scarce and thus this study adds to our knowledge on sex differences in abiotic stress responses in macroalgae at the transcriptomic level.

Highlight

The transcriptomic basis for sexual dimorphism and associated metabolic needs are described for the kelpSaccharina latissima. Temperature modulates sex-biased gene expression resulting in a stronger stress response in females.
Neural circuit mechanism underlying the feeding controlled by insula-central amygdala pathway
Authors: Zhang-Molina Calvin , Schmit Matthew B , Cai Haijiang
Published: August 2019

Central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) contains distinct populations of neurons that play opposing roles in feeding. The circuit mechanism of how CeA neurons process information sent from their upstream inputs to regulate feeding is still unclear. Here we show that activation of the neural pathway projecting from insular cortex neurons to CeA suppresses food intake. Surprisingly, we find that the inputs from insular cortex form excitatory connections with similar strength to all types of CeA neurons. To reconcile this puzzling result, and previous findings, we developed a conductance-based dynamical systems model for the CeA neuronal network. Computer simulations showed that both the intrinsic electrophysiological properties of individual CeA neurons and the overall synaptic organization of the CeA circuit play a functionally significant role in shaping the CeA neural dynamics. We successfully identified a specific CeA circuit structure that reproduces the desired circuit output consistent with existing experimentally observed feeding behaviors.
Multilevel modelling, prevalence and predictors of hypertension in Ghana: Evidence from Wave 2 of the World Health Organization’s Study on Global AGEing and adult health
Authors: Aheto Justice Moses K. , Dagne Getachew A.
Published: August 2019

Background

Hypertension is a major public health issue, a critical risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and stroke, especially in developing countries where the rates remain unacceptably high. In Africa, hypertension is the leading driver of cardiovascular disease and stroke deaths. Identification of critical risk factors of hypertension can help formulate targeted public health programmes and policies aimed at reducing the prevalence and its associated morbidity, disability and mortality. This study attempts to develop multilevel regression, an in-depth statistical model to identify critical risk factors of hypertension.

Methods

This study used data on 4381 individuals aged ≥18 years from the nationally representative World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Ghana Wave 2. Multilevel regression modelling was employed to identify critical risk factors for hypertension based on systolic blood pressure (SBP) (i.e. SBP>140mmHg).

Results

The data on 4381 individuals were analysed out of which 27.3% were hypertensive. Critical risk factors for hypertension identified were age, obesity, marital status, health state and difficulty with self-care. Strong unobserved household-level residual variations were found.

Conclusion

Hypertension remains high in Ghana. Addressing the problem of obesity, targeting specific interventions to those aged over 50 years, and improvement in the general health of Ghanaians are paramount to reducing the prevalence and its associated morbidity, disability and mortality. Lifestyle modification in the form of dietary intake, knowledge provision supported with strong public health message and political will could be beneficial to the management and prevention of hypertension.
Function of Pumilio Genes in Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Their Effect in Stemness and Cardiomyogenesis
Authors: Silva Isabelle Leticia Zaboroski , Robert Anny Waloski , Cabo Guillermo Cabrera , Spangenberg Lucia , Stimamiglio Marco Augusto , Dallagiovanna Bruno , Gradia Daniela Fiori , Shigunov Patrícia
Published: August 2019

Posttranscriptional regulation plays a fundamental role in the biology of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Many studies have demonstrated that multiple mRNAs are coregulated by one or more RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that orchestrate the expression of these molecules. A family of RBPs, known as PUF (Pumilio-FBF), is highly conserved among species and has been associated with the undifferentiated and differentiated states of different cell lines. In humans, two homologs of the PUF family have been found: Pumilio 1 (PUM1) and Pumilio 2 (PUM2). To understand the role of these proteins in human ESCs (hESCs), we first demonstrated the influence of the silencing of PUM1 and PUM2 on pluripotency genes.OCT4andNANOGmRNA levels decreased significantly with the knockdown of Pumilio, suggesting that PUMILIO proteins play a role in the maintenance of pluripotency in hESCs. Furthermore, we observed that the hESCs silenced for PUM1 and 2 exhibited an improvement in efficiency ofin vitrocardiomyogenic differentiation. Usingin silicoanalysis, we identified mRNA targets of PUM1 and PUM2 expressed during cardiomyogenesis. With the reduction of PUM1 and 2, these target mRNAs would be active and could be involved in the progression of cardiomyogenesis.
Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci for Traits linked to Fusarium Head Blight Symptoms Evaluation In Barley RILs
Authors: Ogrodowicz Piotr , Kuczyńska Anetta , Mikołajczak Krzysztof , Adamski Tadeusz , Surma Maria , Krajewski Paweł , Ćwiek-Kupczyńska Hanna , Kempa Michał , Rokicki Michał , Jasińska Dorota
Published: August 2019

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating disease in small grain cereals worldwide. The disease results in the reduction of grain yield and affects its quality. In addition, mycotoxins accumulated in grain are harmful to both humans and animals. It has been reported that response to pathogen infection may be associated with the morphological and developmental characteristics of the host plant, e.g. the earliness and plant height. Despite the many studies the effective markers for the selection of barley genotypes with increased resistance to FHB have not thus far been developed. Therefore, exploring the genetic relationship between agronomic traits (e.g. heading date or stem height) and disease resistance is of importance to the understanding of plant resistance via “diesease escape” or dwarf stature. The studied plant material consisted of 100 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) of spring barley. Plants were examined in field conditions (three locations) in a completely randomized design with three replications. Barley genotypes were artificially infected with spores of Fusarium before heading. Apart from the main phenotypic traits (plant height, spike characteristic, grain yield) the infected kernels were visually scored and the content of deoxynivalenol (DON) mycotoxin was investigated. A set of 70 Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) were detected through phenotyping of the mapping population in field condition and genotyping using a barley Ilumina iSelect platform with 9K markers. Six loci were detected for FHB index on chromosomes 2H, 3H, 5H and 7H. The region on the short arm of the 2H chromosome was detected in the current study, in which many QTLs associated with FHB- and yield-related characters were found. This study confirms that agromorphological traits are tightly related to the FHB and should be taken into consideration when breeding barley plants for FHB resistance.
Alcohol causes lasting differential transcription inDrosophilamushroom body neurons
Authors: Petruccelli Emily , Ledru Nicolas , Kaun Karla R.
Published: August 2019

Repeated alcohol experiences can produce long-lasting memories for sensory cues associated with intoxication. These memories can ultimately trigger relapse in individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder (AUD). The molecular mechanisms by which alcohol changes memories to become long-lasting and inflexible remain unclear. New methods to analyze gene expression within precise neuronal cell-types can provide further insight towards AUD prevention and treatment. Here, we employed genetic tools inDrosophila melanogasterto investigate the lasting consequences of ethanol on transcription in memory-encoding neurons.Drosophilarely on mushroom body (MB) neurons to make associative memories, including memories of ethanol-associated sensory cues. Differential expression analyses found that distinct transcripts, but not genes, in the MB were associated with experiencing ethanol alone compared to forming a memory of an odor cue associated with ethanol. These findings reveal the dynamic and highly context-specific regulation of splicing associated with encoding behavioral experiences. Our data thus demonstrate that alcohol can have lasting effects on transcription and RNA processing during memory formation, and identify new transcript targets for future AUD and addiction investigation.
PDK1 has a pleiotropic PINOID-independent role in Arabidopsis development
Authors: Xiao Yao , Offringa Remko
Published: August 2019

The 3-Phosphoinositide-Dependent Protein Kinase 1 (PDK1) is a conserved and important master regulator of AGC kinases in eukaryotic organisms.pdk1loss-of-function causes a lethal phenotype in animals and yeast. In contrast, only very mild phenotypic defects have been reported for thepdk1loss-of-function mutant of the model plantArabidopsis thaliana(Arabidopsis). The Arabidopsis genome contains twoPDK1genes, hereafter calledPDK1 and PDK2.Here we show that the previously reported Arabidopsispdk1T-DNA insertion alleles are not true loss-of-function mutants. By using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we created true loss-of-functionpdk1alleles, andpdk1 pdk2double mutants carrying these alleles showed multiple growth and development defect, including fused cotyledons, a short primary root, dwarf stature, late flowering, and reduced seed production caused by defects in male fertility. Surprisingly,pdk1 pdk2mutants did not phenocopypidmutants, and together with the observations thatPDK1overexpression does not phenocopy the effect ofPIDoverexpression, and thatpdk1 pdk2loss-of-function does not change PID subcellular localization, we conclude that PDK1 is not essential for PID membrane localization or functionalityin planta. Nonetheless, mostpdk1 pdk2phenotypes could be correlated with impaired auxin transport.PDK1is highly expressed in vascular tissues and YFP:PDK1 is relatively abundant at the basal/rootward side of root stele cells, where it colocalizes with PIN auxin efflux carriers, and the AGC1 kinases PAX and D6PK/D6PKLs. Our genetic and phenotypic analysis suggests that PDK1 is likely to control auxin transport as master regulator of these AGC1 kinases in Arabidopsis.
Modelling the Effects of Ongoing Alpha Activity on Visual Perception: The Oscillation-Based Probability of Response
Authors: Zazio Agnese , Schreiber Marco , Miniussi Carlo , Bortoletto Marta
Published: August 2019

Substantial evidence has shown that ongoing neural activity significantly contributes to how the brain responds to upcoming stimuli. In visual perception, a considerable portion of trial-to-trial variability can be accounted for by prestimulus magneto/electroencephalographic (M/EEG) alpha oscillations, which play an inhibitory function by means of cross-frequency interactions with gamma-band oscillations. Despite the fundamental theories on the role of oscillations in perception and cognition, a clear theorization of the neural mechanisms underlying prestimulus activity effects that includes electrophysiological phenomena at different scales (e.g., local field potentials and macro-scale M/EEG) is still missing. Here, we present a model called the oscillation-based probability of response (OPR), which directly assesses the link between meso-scale neural mechanisms, macro-scale M/EEG, and behavioural outcome. The OPR model includes distinct meso-scale mechanisms through which alpha oscillations modulate M/EEG gamma activity, namely, by decreasing a) the amplitude and/or b) the degree of neural synchronization of gamma oscillations. Crucially, the OPR model makes specific predictions on the effects of these mechanisms on visual perception, as assessed through the psychometric function.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

The oscillation-based probability of response (OPR) is grounded on a psychophysical approach focusing on the psychometric function estimation and may be highly informative in the study of ongoing brain activity because it provides a tool for distinguishing different neural mechanisms of alpha-driven modulation of sensory processing.
What did the 2015 earthquake tell us about what the state of earthquake resilience in Kathmandu metropolitan city was?
Authors: Karki Tej Kumar
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper asks what was the state of building-code enforcement and citizen – government collaboration in disaster preparedness when an earthquake hit Kathmandu metropolitan city (KMC) in 2015? It reviewed government documents, analyzed media reports, interviewed building-code monitoring officers and carried out a detailed case study of the earthquake-damaged Park View Horizon Housing Apartment (PVHA) Complex. The research found several earthquake-resilience issues. They were enforcement-vulnerability (Building bylaws, planning permit and building code); institutional-coordination vulnerability; Apartment-regulation vulnerability; technological vulnerability; and citizen-government-collaboration vulnerability.

Design/methodology/approach

The study area of this research is KMC, and this research is based on content analysis, field observation and interview. It has reviewed all the newspapers and media reports that had covered earthquake issues during and after the 2015 disaster, as well as the articles published in Nepal, South Asia, the USA, New Zealand and Haiti. The literature on Nepal’s building code, seismic history and institutional arrangements for governing earthquake-related issues were reviewed. After field observation of some of the damaged apartments, a detailed case study of PVHA Complex was carried out.

Findings

The research found several earthquake-resilience issues. They were enforcement-vulnerability (Building bylaws, planning permit and building code); institutional-coordination vulnerability; Apartment-regulation vulnerability; technological vulnerability; and citizen-government-collaboration vulnerability

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this study was its heavy reliance on content analysis, one case study and a few interviews and discussions with affected residents, local governments and developers.

Practical implications

This study would help enhance disaster governance in developing nations.

Social implications

The citizen–government collaborative approach to earthquake resilience would enhance human resilience to disaster at individual and community levels.

Originality/value

Since this is the first research carried out on the state of building code and institutional resilience at the time of the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, it is original and provides policy insights for earthquake resilience in Nepal.
Multinational corporations and sustainable development goals
Authors: Bello Ismail , Othman Muhammad Fuad
Published: August 2019

Purpose

There are over 263m out-of-school children in the world, and Nigeria is not an exception to the problem facing basic education. Education provides the necessary skills and knowledge needed by people in other to live a better life. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of multinational corporations (MNC) towards basic education development in Nigeria using Etisalat Telecommunication as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative method of data collection and analysis was used for the study. Interviews were conducted with 15 participants. NVivo software was utilized in transcription, coding and analysis of data from the interview conducted.

Findings

Findings from the research revealed that Etisalat has made a significant contribution towards the development of the education sector in Nigeria, particularly basic education. This is evident in “adopt a school” initiative across the country. Etisalat intervention is in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4: quality education, which has led to improved infrastructure, school enrolment and most importantly improved quality of learning.

Practical implications

This study will help educational institutions, government and international organization explore ways of utilizing private funds to develop basic education, not only in Nigeria but other climes around the world.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature on the role of non-state actors, especially MNC, towards developing the education sector in Nigeria. Previous studies have focussed on MNCs in other sectors; the use of Etisalat Telecommunication opens a new frontier in understanding the role of telecommunications MNCs in developing basic education in Nigeria.
The Two Million Housing Drive in Korea
Authors: Feather Christopher
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Emerging states confront staggering shortages in adequate housing stock. In response, governments have sought various supply-based solutions to mitigate growing housing deficits. While many of these mass housing efforts have not produced the desired outcome, the Republic of Korea’s Two Million Housing Drive (TMHD) was a comparatively successful intervention with its implementation from 1988 to 1992. The five-year initiative exceeded its objective with the construction of over 2.1 million units – of which two-thirds were built by the private sector. The purpose of this study is to analyse Korea’s relatively effective supply-based affordable housing approach and then extrapolate best practices and lessons learned with applications for real estate markets in the developing world. Comparative understanding of the TMHD can help promote greater access to adequate housing in the developing world, especially for the many who continue to live in impoverished conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses content-based and quantitative methods to analyze the case of the TMHD in Korea toward informing improvements in corresponding supply-based housing policies and programs in developing states.

Findings

While there were challenges with the TMHD, the program repositioned Korea’s urban housing market with greater access to affordable housing in cities for the lower-income and vulnerable. The TMHD enabled the subsequent effectiveness of demand-based housing policies.

Research limitations/implications

There are research limitations in fully understanding the complex relationships between mass housing programs, economic growth and government policies. The abductive reasoning used in this case study enables in-depth analysis of the TMHD with generalizable inferences for middle-range theories with applications for emerging markets.

Practical implications

The experience of the TMHD can promote policy harmonization by helping optimize corresponding mass housing efforts in the developing world with the potential to similarly close quantitative housing deficits and expand access to adequate housing for lower-income and vulnerable households.

Social implications

Deeper understanding of the TMHD can lead to reforms of other mass housing initiatives in emerging markets to make adequate housing more accessible and economical for the benefit of underserved segments of society.

Originality/value

The Korean experience with the TMHD can inform the optimization of other similar large-scale policies and programs seeking to sustainably overcome shortfalls in adequate housing that have become all too common in the developing world.
Are regional house prices stationary in Iran? New evidence using Fourier quantile unit root test
Authors: Hadizadeh Arash
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In the Iranian economy, investing in the housing market has been very important and beneficial for investors and households, because of inflationary environment, low real interest rates, underdeveloped financial and tax systems and economic sanctions. Hence, prediction of house prices is the main concern of housing market agents in the economy. The purpose of this paper is to test the stationary properties of Iran's provinces to improve the prediction of future housing prices.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors have tested the stationary properties of 20 Iran’s province centers over the period from 1993 to 2017 using a novel Fourier quantile unit root test and conventional ordinary/generalized least squares (O/GLS) linear unit root/stationary tests.

Findings

According to conventional O/GLS linear unit root/stationary tests, most of the house prices series exhibit random walk behavior, whereas by applying the Fourier quantile unit root test, the null hypothesis of unit root is rejected for 15 out of 20 series. Other results indicated that house prices of cities responded differently to positive and negative shocks.

Originality/value

Previous studies only addressed conventional OLS or GLS linear unit root or stationary tests, but novel Fourier quantile unit root test was not used. New results were obtained based on this unit root test, that, as a priori knowledge, will help benefiting from the positive effects, or avoiding being victimized by the negative effects.
Implementation of SDGs at the University of South Africa
Authors: Mawonde Albert , Togo Muchaiteyi
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how universities can play a pivotal role in implementing sustainable development goals (SDGs). It recognises the advantage that universities have in responding to social challenges through their functions and operations, mainly through research and innovation and academic prowess. Not much guidance is available on how they can contribute to SDG implementation. The research is a case study of the University of South Africa, a distance education institution. It showcases how its science campus in Johannesburg has incorporated SDGs in its operations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through interviews with campus operations managers and sustainability office managers, a survey with environmental science honours students was conducted and observations of the Unisa Florida campus environment were undertaken to establish practices that contribute towards SDG implementation. Document analysis assisted in complementing the data collection process. Data were analysed by aligning practices with SDG indicators.

Findings

The research revealed a number of practices that align with SDGs in teaching, research, community engagement and campus operations management. Unisa is however challenged by financial limitations and as an open distance education and learning (ODeL) institution, it struggles to involve students in these projects. The paper concludes that while the most obvious contribution of universities to SDGs is towards quality education (SDG 4), higher education, including distance education institutions, can play an active role in implementing other SDGs as well.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited to one institution, Unisa, owing to time limitations. While this might seem like the research was too selective, it was intentional, as the aim was to research a distance education institution. The research targeted staff involved in campus operations at Unisa’s Florida Campus, which is located in Johannesburg. Interviews were limited to students pursuing BSc Honours in Environmental Management. This was a methodological decision to contain the research, but making sure that the targeted respondents were the most informed. Individual case studies are often critiqued for being insufficiently representative to allow generalisations to other contexts (Jupp, 2006). This applies to this research in terms of “populations and universes” (Yin, 2003, p. 10), but generalisations to “theoretical propositions” (ibid) are possible.

Originality/value

There are few studies in Africa which researched implementation of SDGs in universities, let alone in ODeL institutions. The research revealed the challenge of involving students in sustainability practices in distance education institutions and serves as a testimony that such institutions can still have successful projects on and off campus. It suggests involving students in applied research based on the current sustainability projects on and off campus.
The impact of setting on wine tasting experiments
Authors: Lewis Geoffrey , Charters Steve , Lecat Benoît , Zalan Tatiana , Wolf Marianna McGarry
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Tasting experiments involving willingness to pay (WTP) have grown over the past few years; however, most of them occur in formal wine-tasting conditions, removed from real-world experience. This study aims to conduct experiments on wine appreciation and willingness to pay in both settings, to allow a comparison of how tasters reached conclusions in different situations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted two sets of experiments in Dijon, France, with knowledgeable wine drinkers, in 2014 and in 2016, to explore the relationship between wine ratings, WTP and objective characteristics (appellation, labelling and price). The first was in a formal wine-tasting setting (n = 58), and the second in the social setting of a restaurant (n = 52). The experiments involved deception: the tasters were presented with five wines, but in fact only three wines were involved, two of the wines being presented twice.

Findings

The results from the 2014 study showed that even with a group of experienced tasters, objective characteristics overwhelmed subjective assessment (taste, sensory perception) of the wine. Ratings and WTP were driven by the appellation or brand, labelling and price of the wines. The authors replicated the experiment in a social setting in 2016 which, contrary to their expectations, produced very similar results. In neither experiment did the experienced tasters detect the deception.

Research limitations/implications

The social setting was a lunch in a restaurant with a group of students who were graduating together. The tasting was conducted by some of their professors, which may have influenced the results and raises questions about whether the setting was truly ‘social’. The sample size for the experiments was comparatively small and further research, including novice and expert tasters, might contradict these findings, or at least add nuances to them.

Originality/value

The study finds that, contrary to expectations, in the social wine consumption setting of a restaurant meal enjoyed with colleagues, objective wine characteristics over-rode subjective appreciation of the wine.
Two decades of research on nation branding: a review and future research agenda
Authors: Hao Andy W. , Paul Justin , Trott Sangeeta , Guo Chiquan , Wu Heng-Hui
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Despite the growing interest by scholars, practitioners and public policymakers, there are still divergent and fragmented conceptualizations of nation branding as the field is still developing. In response, the purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize nation branding research and to provide directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review peer-reviewed theoretical and empirical journal articles published during the last two decades – from 1998 to 2018. Selected journal articles on nation branding were subsequently synthesized for further insights.

Findings

The field of nation branding is fragmented and has developed in the course of the last two decades in different directions. This paper identifies key publication outlets and articles, major theoretical and methodological approaches and primary variables of interest that exist in the nation branding literature. The findings also highlight several research themes for future research.

Originality/value

This research fills a need to summaries the current state of the nation branding literature and identifies research issues that need to be addressed in the future.
Optimal synthesis of pose repeatability for collaborative robots based on the ISO 9283 standard
Authors: Hu Mingwei , Wang Hongguang , Pan Xinan , Tian Yong
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to search the optimal arrangement scheme of random motion accuracy of joints for optimal synthesis of pose repeatability which can make robot design more reasonable and reduce the development cost of robots.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a mathematical model of pose repeatability, which includes positioning repeatability and orientation repeatability of robots, is established. According to the ISO 9283 standard, an optimal synthesis method of pose repeatability for collaborative robots is introduced, and three optimization objective functions are proposed. The optimization model is solved by using numerical analysis software, and the optimal arrangement scheme of random motion accuracy of joints is obtained which meets the requirements of pose repeatability of robot.

Findings

It is found that, in three optimization objective functions, the single-objective evaluation function of maximization of joint motion error is more suitable for optimal synthesis of pose repeatability. In practice, due to the safety factor, the test results of pose repeatability are better than the results of optimal synthesis of pose repeatability.

Practical implications

This method makes robot design more reasonable and reduces the development cost of robots.

Originality/value

This work is the first time to optimize the orientation repeatability of collaborative robots. Because the pose repeatability of most robots is tested by the ISO 9283 standard, so this method which is based on this standard is more suitable for the performance requirements of robot products.
Sustaining family-firm innovation through value and process principles
Authors: Lattuch Frank
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Organization renewal through innovation represents a difficult managerial challenge in family firms. This paper aims to reveal a framework for sustaining innovation capabilities through a perspective of value and process principles.

Design/methodology/approach

The author examined the findings from consulting projects in high performing family firms and literature from the areas of family firm strategy and leadership.

Findings

The author describes how combining patterns of innovative organizations with patterns of high-performing family firms can help leaders to sustain innovation. This study indicates that a value- and process-driven perspective is important for effective innovation. In particular, the four value principles are continuity-, community-, connection- and command-related factors (4C’s). The four process principles, in turn, are profession-, project-, product- and purchase-related factors (4P’s).

Originality/value

This paper is a part of a wider study of innovative German family firms initiated in 2012. The 4C’s and 4P’s framework suggests a practical means to better implement innovation by reconciling the firm’s innovation strategy, leadership behavior and organizational learning.
Corporate culture and stock returns: evidence from Indian companies
Authors: Aziz Tariq , Ansari Valeed Ahmad , Alam Mahfooz
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the stock market performance of companies featured in the survey “Best Companies to Work For” as a proxy for corporate culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed the portfolio formation and event study methods from finance to examine the linkage between corporate culture and future stocks returns. The lists of India’s best place to work for by Great Place to Work® Institute and Business Today (BT), India’s leading business magazine, form the primary surrogate for a great corporate culture. The authors compared the stock market performance of the culture portfolio vis-à-vis market index, in addition to using Carhart’s (1997) four-factor model.

Findings

A portfolio of Indian firms that featured in the “Best Companies to Work For” by Great Place to Work© Institute and BT magazine provides a higher return than the market index Sensex both on an ordinary return and on a risk-adjusted basis. The four-factor αs of the value-weighted culture portfolios are significant, implying that these portfolios have provided abnormal returns during the sample period. Moreover, the findings suggest a positive drift in the abnormal returns after inclusion in the “Best Companies to Work For” list.

Research limitations/implications

The results are largely in conformity with the prediction of the theory that states that corporate culture is an economic asset for a firm that increases its value.

Practical implications

From an investor’s point of view, the study indicates that investment in “Best Companies to Work For” is a better alternative than passive index investing.

Originality/value

This study fills the empirical void in the relationship between corporate culture and stock market performance in the Indian context.