bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning multiple variable-speed sequences in striatum via cortical tutoring
Authors: Murray James M. , Sean Escola G.
Published: February 2017

Sparse, sequential patterns of neural activity have been observed in numerous brain areas during time-keeping and motor sequence tasks. Inspired by such observations, we construct a model of the striatum, an all-inhibitory circuit where sequential activity patterns are prominent, addressing the following key challenges: (i) obtaining control over temporal rescaling of the sequence speed, with the ability to generalize to new speeds; (ii) facilitating flexible expression of distinct sequences via selective activation, concatenation, and recycling of specific subsequences; and (iii) enabling the biologically plausible learning of sequences, consistent with the decoupling of learning and execution suggested by lesion studies showing that cortical circuits are necessary for learning, but that subcortical circuits are sufficient to drive learned behaviors. The same mechanisms that we describe can also be applied to circuits with both excitatory and inhibitory populations, and hence may underlie general features of sequential neural activity pattern generation in the brain.
Spatial and seasonal dynamics of cholera (Vibrio cholerae) in an estuary in southern coastal Ecuador
Authors: Ryan Sadie J. , Stewart Ibarra Anna M. , Ordóñez Eunice , Chu Winnie , Finkelstein Julia L. , King Christine A. , Escobar Luis E. , Lupone Christina , Heras Froilan , Tauzer Erica , Waggoner Egan , James Tyler G. , Cárdenas Washington B. , Polhemus Mark
Published: February 2017

Cholera emergence is strongly linked to local environmental and ecological context. The 1991-2004 pandemic emerged in Perú and spread north into Ecuador’s El Oro province, making this a key site for potential re-emergence. Machala, El Oro, is a port city of 250,000, near the Peruvian border. Many livelihoods depend on the estuarine system, from fishing for subsistence and trade, to domestic water use. In 2014, we conducted biweekly sampling for 10 months in five estuarine locations, across a gradient of human use, and ranging from inland to ocean. We measured water characteristics implicated inV. choleraegrowth and persistence: pH, temperature, salinity, and algal concentration, and evaluated samples in five months for pathogenic and non-pathogenicVibrio cholerae, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We found environmental persistence of strains O1 and O139, but no evidence for toxigene presence.V. choleraepresence was coupled to algal and salinity concentration, and sites exhibited considerable seasonal and spatial heterogeneity. This study indicates that environmental conditions in Machala are optimal for human cholera re-emergence, with risk peaking during September, and higher risk near urban periphery low-income communities. This highlights a need for surveillance of this coupled cholera– estuarine system to anticipate potential future outbreaks.
Histone H3 Lysine 4 methyltransferases MLL3 and MLL4 Modulate Long-range Chromatin Interactions at Enhancers
Authors: Yan Jian , Chen Shi-An A , Local Andrea , Liu Tristin , Qiu Yunjiang , Lee Ah Young , Jung Inkyung , Preißl Sebastian , Rivera Chloe M , Wang Chaochen , Ishii Haruhiko , Fang Rongxin , Ye Zhen , Ge Kai , Hu Ming , Ren Bing
Published: February 2017

Regulation of gene expression in mammalian cells depends on long-range chromatin interactions between enhancers and promoters. Currently, the exact mechanisms that connect distal enhancers to their specific target promoters remain to be fully elucidated. Here we show that the histone H3 Lysine 4 monomethylation (H3K4me1) writer proteins MLL3 and MLL4 (MLL3/4) play an active role in this process. We demonstrate that in differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells, MLL3/4-dependent deposition of H3K4me1 at enhancers correlates with increased levels of chromatin interactions, whereas loss of MLL3/4 leads to greatly reduced frequencies of chromatin interactions and failure of lineage-specific gene expression programs. We further show that H3K4me1 facilitates recruitment of the Cohesin complex to chromatinin vitroandin vivo, providing a potential mechanism for MLL3/4 to promote chromatin looping. Taken together, our results support an active role for MLL3/4 in modulating chromatin organization at enhancers in mammalian cells.
SAVE: A secure cloud-based pipeline for CRISPR pooled screen deconvolution
Authors: Jeong Hyun-Hwan , Kim Seon Young , Rosseaux Maxime WC , Zoghbi Huda Y , Liu Zhandong
Published: February 2017

We present a user-friendly, cloud-based, data analysis pipeline for the deconvolution of pooled screening data. This tool, termed SAVE for Screening Analysis Visual Explorer, serves a dual purpose of extracting, clustering and analyzing raw next generation sequencing files derived from pooled screening experiments while at the same time presenting them in a user-friendly way on a secure web-based platform. Moreover, SAVE serves as a useful web-based analysis pipeline for reanalysis of pooled CRISPR screening datasets. Taken together, the framework described in this study is expected to accelerate development of web-based bioinformatics tool for handling all studies which include next generation sequencing data. SAVE is available athttp://save.nrihub.org.
Atomic resolution structure of serine protease proteinase K at ambient temperature
Authors: Masuda Tetsuya , Suzuki Mamoru , Inoue Shigeyuki , Song Changyong , Nakane Takanori , Nango Eriko , Tanaka Rie , Tono Kensuke , Joti Yasumasa , Kameshima Takashi , Hatsui Takaki , Yabashi Makina , Mikami Bunzo , Nureki Osamu , Numata Keiji , Iwata So , Sugahara Michihiro
Published: February 2017

Atomic resolution structures (beyond 1.20 Å) at ambient temperature, which is usually hampered by the radiation damage in synchrotron X-ray crystallography (SRX), will add to our understanding of the structure-function relationships of enzymes. Serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) has attracted surging interest by providing a route to bypass such challenges. Yet the progress on atomic resolution analysis with SFX has been rather slow. In this report, we describe the 1.20 Å resolution structure of proteinase K using 13 keV photon energy. Hydrogen atoms, water molecules, and a number of alternative side-chain conformations have been resolved. The increase in the value ofB-factor in SFX suggests that the residues and water molecules adjacent to active sites were flexible and exhibited dynamic motions at specific substrate-recognition sites.
GRIDSS: sensitive and specific genomic rearrangement detection using positional de Bruijn graph assembly
Authors: Cameron Daniel L , Schroeder Jan , Penington Jocelyn Sietsma , Do Hongdo , Molania Ramyar , Dobrovic Alexander , Speed Terence P , Papenfuss Anthony T
Published: February 2017

The identification of genomic rearrangements, particularly in cancers, with high sensitivity and specificity using massively parallel sequencing remains a major challenge. Here, we describe the Genome Rearrangement IDentification Software Suite (GRIDSS), a high-speed structural variant (SV) caller that performs efficient genome-wide break-end assembly prior to variant calling using a novel positional de Bruijn graph assembler. By combining assembly, split read and read pair evidence using a probabilistic scoring, GRIDSS achieves high sensitivity and specificity on simulated, cell line and patient tumour data, recently winning SV sub-challenge #5 of the ICGC-TCGA DREAM Somatic Mutation Calling Challenge. On human cell line data, GRIDSS halves the false discovery rate compared to other recent methods. GRIDSS identifies non-template sequence insertions, micro-homologies and large imperfect homologies, and supports multi-sample analysis. GRIDSS is freely available athttps://github.com/PapenfussLab/gridss.
Replication and characterization ofCADM2andMSRAgenes on human behavior
Authors: Boutwell Brian , Hinds David ,   the 23andMe Research Team, Tielbeek Jorim , Ong Ken K. , Day Felix R. , Perry John R.B.
Published: February 2017

Progress identifying the genetic determinants of personality has historically been slow, with candidate gene studies and small-scale genome-wide association studies yielding few reproducible results. In the UK Biobank study, genetic variants inCADM2andMSRAwere recently shown to influence risk taking behavior and irritability respectively, representing some of the first genomic loci to be associated with aspects of personality. We extend this observation by performing a personality “phenome-scan” across 16 traits in up to 140,487 participants from 23andMe for these two genes. Heritability estimates for these traits ranged from 5-19%, with bothCADM2andMSRAdemonstrating significant effects on multiple personality types. These associations covered all aspects of the big five personality domains, including specific facet traits such as compliance, altruism, anxiety and activity / energy. This study both confirms and extends the original observations, highlighting the role of genetics in aspects of mental health and behavior.
Large scale variation in the rate ofde novomutation, base composition, divergence and diversity in humans
Authors: Smith Thomas , Arndt Peter , Eyre-Walker Adam
Published: February 2017

It has long been suspected that the rate of mutation varies across the human genome at a large scale based on the divergence between humans and other species. It is now possible to directly investigate this question using the large number ofde novomutations (DNMs) that have been discovered in humans through the sequencing of trios. We show that there is variation in the mutation rate at the 100KB, 1MB and 10MB scale that cannot be explained by variation at smaller scales, however the level of this variation is modest at large scales – at the 1MB scale we infer that ~90% of regions have a mutation rate within 50% of the mean. Different types of mutation show similar levels of variation and appear to vary in concert which suggests the pattern of mutation is relatively constant across the genome and hence unlikely to generate variation in GC-content. We confirm this using two different analyses. We find that genomic features explain less than 50% of the explainable variance in the rate of DNM. As expected the rate of divergence between species and the level of diversity within humans are correlated to the rate of DNM. However, the correlations are weaker than if all the variation in divergence was due to variation in the mutation rate. We provide evidence that this is due the effect of biased gene conversion on the probability that a mutation will become fixed. We find no evidence that linked selection affects the relationship between divergence and DNM density. In contrast to divergence, we find that most of the variation in diversity can be explained by variation in the mutation rate. Finally, we show that the correlation between divergence and DNM density declines as increasingly divergent species are considered.

Author summary

Using a dataset of 40,000de novomutations we show that there is large-scale variation in the mutation rate at the 100KB and 1MB scale. We show that different types of mutation vary in concert and in a manner that is not expected to generate variation in base composition; hence mutation bias is not responsible for the large-scale variation in base composition that is observed across human chromosomes. As expected large-scale variation in the rate of divergence between species and the variation within species across the genome, are correlated to the rate of mutation, but the correlation between divergence and the mutation rate is not as strong as they could be. We show that biased gene conversion is responsible for weakening the correlation. In contrast we find that most of the variation across the genome in diversity can be explained by variation in the mutation rate. Finally, we show that the correlation between the rate of mutation in humans and the divergence between humans and other species, weakens as the species become more divergent.
Direct control of somatic stem cell proliferation by theDrosophilatestis stem cell niche
Authors: Albert Eugene A. , Puretskaia Olga A. , Terekhanova Nadezhda V. , Bökel Christian
Published: February 2017

Niches have traditionally been characterized as signalling microenvironments that allow stem cells to maintain their fate. This definition implicitly assumes that the various niche signals are integrated towards a binary fate decision between stemness and differentiation. However, observations in multiple systems have demonstrated that stem cell properties such as proliferation and self renewal can be uncoupled at the level of niche signalling input, which is incompatible with this simplified view. We have studied the role of the transcriptional regulator Zfh1, a shared target of the Hedgehog and Jak/Stat niche signalling pathways, in the somatic stem cells of theDrosophilatestis. We found that Zfh1 binds and downregulatessalvadorandkibra, two tumour suppressor genes of the Hippo/Wts/Yki pathway, thereby restricting Yki activation and proliferation to the Zfh1 positive stem cells. These observations provide an unbroken link from niche signal input to an individual aspect of stem cell behaviour that does not, at any step, involve a fate decision. We discuss the relevance of our observations and other reports in the literature for an overall concept of stemness and niche function.

Summary statement

We demonstrate that the fly testis niche controls stem cell proliferation by repressing Hippo pathway genes independent of a binary cell fate decision between stemness and proliferation.
Single tumor-initiating cells evade immune clearance by recruiting type II macrophages
Authors: Guo Xiaocan , Zhao Yang , Yan Huan , Yang Yingcheng , Shen Shuying , Dai Xiaoming , Ji Xinyan , Ji Fubo , Gong Xing-Guo , Li Li , Bai Xueli , Feng Xin-Hua , Liang Tingbo , Ji Junfang , Chen Lei , Wang Hongyang , Zhao Bin
Published: February 2017

Tumor infiltrated type II (M2) macrophages promote tumorigenesis by suppressing immune clearance, promoting proliferation, and stimulating angiogenesis. Interestingly, macrophages were also found to enrich in small foci of altered hepatocytes containing liver tumor-initiating cells (TICs). However, whether and how TICs specifically recruit macrophages and the function of these macrophages in tumor initiation remain unknown due to technical difficulties. In this study, by generating genetically defined liver TICs, we demonstrate that TICs actively recruit M2 macrophages from as early as the single-cell stage. Elimination of TIC-associated macrophages (TICAMs) abolishes tumorigenesis in a manner dependent on the immune system. Mechanistically, activation of the Hippo pathway effector Yes-associated protein (YAP) underlies macrophage recruitment by TICs. These results demonstrate for the first time that macrophages play a decisive role in the survival of single TICs in vivo and provide a proof of principle for TIC elimination by targeting YAP or M2 macrophages.
Distal CpG islands can serve as alternative promoters to transcribe genes with silenced proximal promoters
Authors: Sarda Shrutii , Das Avinash , Vinson Charles , Hannenhalli Sridhar
Published: February 2017

DNA methylation at the promoter of a gene is presumed to render it silent, yet a sizable fraction of genes with methylated proximal promoters exhibit elevated expression. Here, we show, through extensive analysis of the methylome and transcriptome in 34 tissues, that in many such cases, transcription is initiated by a distal upstream CpG island (CGI) located several kilobases away that functions as an alternative promoter. Specifically, such genes are expressed precisely when the neighboring CGI is unmethylated but remain silenced otherwise. Based on CAGE and Pol II localization data, we found strong evidence of transcription initiation at the upstream CGI and a lack thereof at the methylated proximal promoter itself. Consistent with their alternative promoter activity, CGI-initiated transcripts are associated with signals of stable elongation and splicing that extend into the gene body, as evidenced by tissue-specific RNA-seq and other DNA-encoded splice signals. Furthermore, based on both inter- and intra-species analyses, such CGIs were found to be under greater purifying selection relative to CGIs upstream of silenced genes. Overall, our study describes a hitherto unreported conserved mechanism of transcription of genes with methylated proximal promoters in a tissue-specific fashion. Importantly, this phenomenon explains the aberrant expression patterns of some cancer driver genes, potentially due to aberrant hypomethylation of distal CGIs, despite methylation at proximal promoters.
CheckMyMetal: a macromolecular metal-binding validation tool
Authors: Zheng Heping , Cooper David R. , Porebski Przemyslaw J. , Shabalin Ivan G. , Handing Katarzyna B. , Minor Wladek
Published: February 2017

Metals are essential in many biological processes, and metal ions are modeled in roughly 40% of the macromolecular structures in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). However, a significant fraction of these structures contain poorly modeled metal-binding sites.CheckMyMetal(CMM) is an easy-to-use metal-binding site validation server for macromolecules that is freely available at http://csgid.org/csgid/metal_sites. TheCMMserver can detect incorrect metal assignments as well as geometrical and other irregularities in the metal-binding sites. Guidelines for metal-site modeling and validation in macromolecules are illustrated by several practical examples grouped by the type of metal. These examples showCMMusers (and crystallographers in general) problems they may encounter during the modeling of a specific metal ion.
Monitoring function of the board and audit fees: contingent upon ownership concentration
Authors: Bozec Richard , Dia Mohamed
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to revisit the board independence–audit fees (BI–AF) relationship while taking into account the ownership structure of the firm. Two effects are unfolding along the ownership concentration spectrum: separation of ownership and control (principal–agent problems) and separation of voting and cash flow rights (principal–principal problems).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is conducted over a seven-year period (2002-2008) using panel regressions on a sample of Canadian publicly traded companies. The authors use a moderated regression analysis incorporating two-way interactive terms (ownership × BI) and a sub-group analysis.

Findings

The results show a positive and significant relationship between BI and AF when ownership is concentrated in the hands of a dominant/controlling shareholder. The higher the gap between voting and cash flow rights of the ultimate owner, the stronger the relationship between BI and AF. Overall, evidence supports both the demand-based perspective on AF and the expropriation effect argument.

Practical implications

Results support a one-size-fits-all approach to governance despite growing concerns from academics and interest groups about the appropriateness of pursuing such strategy when ownership is concentrated in the hands of a dominant/controlling shareholder.

Originality/value

By taking the excess voting rights into account (difference between voting rights and cash-flow rights of the ultimate owner), the authors propose a refined classification of the sample firms along the ownership concentration spectrum.
Examining the linkages between relationship conflict, performance and turnover intentions
Authors: Shaukat Razia , Yousaf Amna , Sanders Karin
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer insights regarding the consequences of relationship conflict among employees in terms of their task performance, contextual performance and turnover intentions. Utilizing a resource depletion approach in the backdrop of Conservation of Resources theory, it is hypothesized that the three-dimension burnout (exhaustion, cynicism and interpersonal strain) play a mediating role in influencing the linkages between relationship conflict and outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 306 telecom engineers and their supervisors and analyzed using structural equation modeling to test the interrelationships among the study constructs.

Findings

Results indicated that relationship conflict is negatively related to task performance and contextual performance and positively relates to turnover intentions, and that the three dimensions of job burnout, i.e. exhaustion, cynicism and interpersonal strain at work, distinctively mediate the linkages between relationship conflict, task and contextual performance and turnover intentions.

Originality/value

This study explores how relationship conflict transmits its effect to job performance and turnover intentions through mediation of burnout. All in all, the findings have important practical as well as theoretical implications for managers and academicians alike.
Service access and perceptions for Somali Australian migrants at risk of autism
Authors: Abdullahi Ifrah , Kruger Estie , Tennant Marc
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the service accessibility of Somali Australians suffering Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Geographic Information System (GIS) and the 2011 census data a total of 19,178 people reporting Somali ancestry were mapped to SA1 level with most being in the three capital cities of original migration; Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Findings

Access to primary services pertinent to ASD was measured using the GIS software, some 15 per cent of these cities Somali children were within 500 m of a General practice and 89 per cent within 2,000 m. A quarter of children were within 2,000 m of a speech pathology service access point and nearly a third (31 per cent) within 2,000 m of a psychologist. Qualitative analysis found a quite negative perspective on mental illness and ASD within the community with 85 per cent of respondents reporting a “Bad” perception of ASD within the community.

Research limitations/implications

Clearly, the opportunity these data provide is to develop service models targeting need and changing perspectives of ASD within an at risk community.

Originality/value

This is the first time in Australia that issues of service access (health) for Autism suffers and their families has been analysed in a detailed geographic manner.
Suicidality in detention centres: a case study
Authors: Rimkeviciene Jurgita , O’Gorman John , De Leo Diego
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Recent reports raise suicidality among asylum seekers as a pertinent issue in current Australian offshore detention centres. However, knowledge on the nature of the suicidality in these centres is very limited. The purpose of this paper is to explore in depth how suicidality arises and develops in offshore detention centres.

Design/methodology/approach

A single case study approach was used.

Findings

This case study presents the findings on the suicidal process of an asylum seeker who attempted suicide three times while in Nauru Regional Processing Centre, the last of which being a near-lethal one. The prolonged mandatory detention, together with lack of clarity about the timeframes of detention and constant postponing of the legal processes were identified as the main factors driving the suicidal intent. The suicidal behaviour escalated from an interrupted attempt to a near lethal one within two years, which signals lack of adequate suicide prevention within detention.

Practical implications

The resources for mental health being limited in Nauru, it is likely overall changes in refugee status processing may be a more effective suicide prevention strategy rather than implementation of other additional measures.

Originality/value

Studies in offshore processing facilities have been scarce due to barriers for researchers to access the detention centres. This study offers a unique insight into suicidality in this hard to reach population.
Are visible minorities “invisible” in Canadian health data and research? A scoping review
Authors: Khan Mushira Mohsin , Kobayashi Karen , Vang Zoua M. , Lee Sharon M.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Canada’s visible minority population is increasing rapidly, yet despite the demographic significance of this population, there is a surprising dearth of nationally representative health data on visible minorities. This is a major challenge to undertaking research on the health of this group, particularly in the context of investigating racial/ethnic disparities and health disadvantages that are rooted in racialization. The purpose of this paper is to summarize: mortality and morbidity patterns for visible minorities; determinants of visible minority health; health status and determinants of the health of visible minority older adults (VMOA); and promising data sources that may be used to examine visible minority health in future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review of 99 studies or publications published between 1978 and 2014 (abstracts of 72 and full articles of 27) was conducted to summarize data and research findings on visible minority health to answer four specific questions: what is known about the morbidity and mortality patterns of visible minorities relative to white Canadians? What is known about the determinants of visible minority health? What is known about the health status of VMOA, a growing segment of Canada’s aging population, and how does this compare with white older adults? And finally, what data sources have been used to study visible minority health?

Findings

There is indeed a major gap in health data and research on visible minorities in Canada. Further, many studies failed to distinguish between immigrants and Canadian-born visible minorities, thus conflating effects of racial status with those of immigrant status on health. The VMOA population is even more invisible in health data and research. The most promising data set appears to be the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS).

Originality/value

This paper makes an important contribution by providing a comprehensive overview of the nature, extent, and range of data and research available on the health of visible minorities in Canada. The authors make two key recommendations: first, over-sampling visible minorities in standard health surveys such as the CCHS, or conducting targeted health surveys of visible minorities. Surveys should collect information on key socio-demographic characteristics such as nativity, ethnic origin, socioeconomic status, and age-at-arrival for immigrants. Second, researchers should consider an intersectionality approach that takes into account the multiple factors that may affect a visible minority person’s health, including the role of discrimination based on racial status, immigrant characteristics for foreign-born visible minorities, age and the role of ageism for older adults, socioeconomic status, gender (for visible minority women), and geographic place or residence in their analyses.
European transnational migration and homelessness in Scandinavia
Authors: Amundson Erik
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the European transnational migration of poverty in a regional context, specifically focusing on homelessness among the migrant poor in Norway and Sweden. Gathering insight from individuals who routinely assist with social care, this research seeks to find out if the liberal provision of welfare and supportive services attracts poor migrants to this region from other parts of Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative in-depth interviews with individuals who provide social care assistance to homeless migrants in Oslo and Stockholm.

Findings

The influx of people experiencing homelessness in these areas is comprised mainly of two distinct sub-populations. One group migrated in search of employment opportunities but struggled with tenuous working and living arrangements. A second more transient group appeared to be motivated by perceptions of Scandinavian benevolence and charity. Both groups lacked familiarity with the social welfare system but were generally uninhibited by cultural differences between their destination and country of origin.

Research limitations/implications

The intent of this study is not to generalize to a broader population but to develop an in-depth exploration of homelessness and migration from the perspective of social care workers. Purposive sampling is used to gather insights from key informants that work closely with homeless migrants; however the findings can be limited by the unique experiences of each individual.

Practical implications

In the public discourse on homelessness it is a mistake to group all homeless migrants together. Additionally it is important to distinguish between the needs of migrants and non-migrants, as these two homeless populations generally do not struggle with the same issues.

Originality/value

With a better understanding of this issue, governments will be able to provide more adequate assistance and develop more effective initiatives to combat and prevent homelessness.
Knowledge construction by users
Authors: Li Xuguang , Cox Andrew , Ford Nigel
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a content analysis framework and from that derive a process model of knowledge construction in the context of virtual product user communities, organization sponsored online forums where product users collaboratively construct knowledge to solve their technical problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a deductive and qualitative content analysis of discussion threads about solving technical problems selected from a series of virtual product user communities. Data are complemented with thematic analysis of interviews with forum members.

Findings

The research develops a content analysis framework for knowledge construction. It is based on a combination of existing codes derived from frameworks developed for computer-supported collaborative learning and new categories identified from the data. Analysis using this framework allows the authors to propose a knowledge construction process model showing how these elements are organized around a typical “trial and error” knowledge construction strategy.

Practical implications

The research makes suggestions about organizations’ management of knowledge activities in virtual product user communities, including moderators’ roles in facilitation.

Originality/value

The paper outlines a new framework for analysing knowledge activities where there is a low level of critical thinking and a model of knowledge construction by trial and error. The new framework and model can be applied in other similar contexts.
Relations in KOS: is it possible to couple a common nature with different roles?
Authors: Mazzocchi Fulvio
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper, which increases and deepens what was expressed in a previous work (Mazzocchiet al., 2007), is to scrutinize the underlying assumptions of the types of relations included in thesauri, particularly the genus-species relation. Logicist approaches to information organization, which are still dominant, will be compared with hermeneutically oriented approaches. In the light of these approaches, the nature and features of the relations, and what the notion ofa prioricould possibly mean with regard to them, are examined, together with the implications for designing and implementing knowledge organizations systems (KOS).

Design/methodology/approach

The inquiry is based on how the relations are described in literature, engaging in particular a discussion with Hjørland (2015) and Svenonius (2004). The philosophical roots of today’s leading views are briefly illustrated, in order to put them under perspective and deconstruct the uncritical reception of their authority. To corroborate the discussion a semantic analysis of specific terms and relations is provided too.

Findings

All relations should be seen as “perspectival” (not asa priori). On the other hand, different types of relations, depending on the conceptual features of the terms involved, can hold a different degree of “stability.” On this basis, they could be used to address different information concerns (e.g. interoperability vs expressiveness).

Research limitations/implications

Some arguments that the paper puts forth at the conceptual level need to be tested in application contexts.

Originality/value

This paper considers that the standpoint of logic and of hermeneutic (usually seen as conflicting) are both significant for information organization, and could be pragmatically integrated. In accordance with this view, an extension of thesaurus relations’ set is advised, meaning that perspective hierarchical relations (i.e. relations that are not logically based but function contingently) should be also included in such a set.
Teacher trainees’ information sharing activities and identity positioning on Facebook
Authors: Hanell Fredrik
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the knowledge of how identity is connected to information sharing activities in social media during pre-school teacher training.

Design/methodology/approach

An ethnographic study is performed where 249 students at a Swedish pre-school teacher-training programme are followed through participant observations from November 2013 to January 2014, and from September 2014 to January 2015. The material produced includes 230 conversations from a Facebook Group used by 210 students and several teachers, field notes and transcribed interviews with nine students. Comparative analysis is used to analyse the Facebook conversations to identify ways of positioning identity and engaging in information sharing activities. Interviews with students are analysed to contextualise and validate the findings from the online interactions.

Findings

Three identity positions are identified: discussion-oriented learner, goal-oriented learner and customer-oriented learner. The way a student commits to others, to ideas and to a career choice affects their identity positions and information sharing activities. Results suggest that information sharing with social media should be understood as a powerful device for identity development in pre-school teacher training.

Research limitations/implications

This study is designed to provide detailed accounts with high validity on the expense of a high degree of representativeness.

Originality/value

No previous library and information science-studies have been presented that explore the relationship between the identity of learners and the information sharing activities in which they engage, in the context of social media or in relation to teacher training.
Sustainable cruise ship employment for the Caribbean region – a conceptual perspective
Authors: Adams Sheree-Ann
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the opportunities and approaches needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of cruise companies as a source of employment for Caribbean nationals.

Design/methodology/approach

The format is one of a concept paper and not a review of primary data collected, but based on the authors observations, industry knowledge and review of secondary literature available in the public domain.

Findings

Some recommendations are made as to the facilitation of this concept in sustainable cruise employment for the Caribbean region that will provide not only economic sustainability but also social benefits to the Caribbean region at large through poverty reduction through employment and global travel exposure.

Practical implications

The paper puts forth a proposal for a centralized organization representative of the multiple stakeholders within the Caribbean Cruise community: to manage and facilitate a fund to assist Caribbean nationals desirous of working on cruise ships and to meet the necessary standards of training not only in hospitality qualifications but also in basic training standards of safety, security and watch keeping for seafarers.

Social implications

The employment opportunities for Caribbean persons on cruise ships have not been fully exploited with the majority of Caribbean nationals working on cruise ships found predominately within the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Carnival Corporation brands based in the USA.

Originality/value

This paper provides readers with insight into the existing Caribbean employment and shipboard employment scenarios, with the view of presenting an option for stimulating and supporting sustainable employment on cruise ships for Caribbean nationals.
All aboard the corporate socially and environmentally responsible cruise ship
Authors: Adams Sheree-Ann , Font Xavier , Stanford Davina
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to examine the relative importance of corporate social and environmental responsibility (CSER) in comparison to standard, price, duration, destination, brand and disruption using choice-based conjoint analysis (CBC).

Design/methodology/approach

CBC was used as the data collection survey technique, and counts analysis for preference and hierarchical Bayes estimation (HB) for importance levels data analysis methods, from Sawtooth Software Inc.

Findings

Results show that 2:1 Royal Caribbean Cruise Line cruise consumers prefer companies with CSER policies and practices. However, their actual product choice selection of cruise package attributes revealed that consumers overall placed less importance on CSER when choosing cruises. Experienced consumers were more brand image-conscious than those new to cruising, and consumers who were less price-sensitive were most willing to choose companies with CSER policies and practices.

Research limitations/implications

The information provided is specifically on “what” cruise consumer preferences and importance attributes are but does not explicitly explain “why” the respondents made the choices they did. This was at the time a limitation of the software used to conduct the study.

Practical implications

The Conjoint Analysis CBC Sawtooth Software pre-2014 version choice simulators do not facilitate questions that provide answers as to “why” respondents make the choices they do in the market simulations.

Social implications

The knowledge contribution is of value to both academia and industry, as the quantitative statistical data on the cruise consumers’ choice preferences are of value in understanding and identifying solutions/approaches towards “opening the bottleneck” that exists between private sector sustainable development practices and consumer lifestyle changes.

Originality/value

This was the first time that CBC/HB was applied within academia to examine the cruise consumers’ choice preferences in a UK context and also the first time that CSER was applied as a direct variable in a cruise package to determine the preference and important values of a brand in a consumer behaviour decision-making context.
Last mile logistics and tourist destinations in the Caribbean
Authors: Amonde Tom M. , Ajagunna Ibrahim , Iyare Ngozi Fidelia
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Growth of the tourism sector and the relative importance of the last mile have been studied in independent literature, but theorists formally linking the two phenomena are limited. This paper aims to develop a theoretical framework for the understanding of the relationships between the last mile concept and the growth of the tourism sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 16 Caribbean countries’ tourism destinations, the study designs the last mile response to tourists’ demand based on the following categories: homogenous high-end tourists; homogenous low-end tourists; non-homogenous high-end tourists; non-homogenous low-end tourists; homogenous and non-homogenous high-end tourists; and homogenous and non-homogeneous low-end tourists. Destination networks were ranked relative to each other in terms of six different performance dimensions. A ranking of 1 indicates the best performance along a given dimension and the relative performance worsens, as the ranking gets higher.

Findings

First, it is the case that the Caribbean has a tourism environment with three types of destinations differentiated by their last mile standard levels (high standard LML, low standard LML and a combination of high and low standard LML). Second, tourists can choose from destinations that have high, low and combination of high and low last mile standard levels. Third, the relative number of tourists and relative profit of destination will depend on the last mile level. Fourth, while empirical evidence of the integration strategies for market differentiation is scarce, this paper points to the effect of cooperation on marketing destinations or integration strategies for marketing destinations.

Originality/value

The grouping of countries into high standard LML, low standard LML and a combination of high and low standard LML represents an advance on the traditional grouping based on proximity, colonial affiliation, language and cultural association. Identifying destination networks that are best suited for a variety of tourists, investors and marketers is of great value to regional tourism planners.
The future of Caribbean tourism: competition and climate change implications
Authors: Mackay Elizabeth A. , Spencer Andrew
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This conceptual paper examines the Caribbean tourism sector, its growth, performance, importance and its vulnerability to climate change. The purpose of this paper is to serve as an introduction to the on-going conversation around climate change and the socioeconomic impacts likely to be experienced in tourism-dependent Caribbean territories.

Design/methodology/approach

The Caribbean is used as the context of this work. A broad perspective was adopted to paint a picture of the wider implications. The region is represented by a multiplicity of country profiles, both in physical and socio-economic characteristics; this warrants a broad assessment of the issues examined here.

Findings

This work shows that the Caribbean tourism sectors face significant future threats related to both competitiveness and climate change impacts. For a region so heavily dependent on coastal- and marine-related tourism attractions, adaptation and resilience are critical issues facing Caribbean tourism. An effective approach to building resilience to climate change requires extensive regional cooperation.

Research limitations/implications

While there is much published on the matter of climate change implications in the general global context, there is considerably less published work specifically examining the likely effects climate change will have on the special socio-economic features of the Caribbean and on the tourism industry in particular.

Practical implications

The lack of extensive and ongoing research dedicated to climate change implications for Caribbean tourism, while limiting the scope of this work, does highlight a gap and open the door for future work that examines, in greater detail both collectively and on an individual country basis, the climate change implications for tourism industries throughout the region.

Social implications

Climate change vulnerabilities in the region present a significant threat to economic development, employment and food security among others. Coastal flooding, infrastructural damage and the potential displacement of coastal communities present significant impediments to the quality of life of Caribbean nationals. The social implications necessitate further in-depth study to inform the development of adaptation strategies that may secure the tourism industry and the livelihoods and lifestyles of the people.

Originality/value

This work is original in its evaluation of the viewpoints of climate change vulnerability specific to the Caribbean tourism sector.
Nitrogen deposition cancels out exotic earthworm effects on plant‐feeding nematode communities
Authors: Shao Yuanhu , Zhang Weixin , Eisenhauer Nico , Liu Tao , Xiong Yanmei , Liang Chenfei , Fu Shenglei
Published: February 2017

The activity and spread of exotic earthworms often are spatially correlated with N deposition because both arise from human activities. Exotic earthworms, in turn, can also greatly affect soil abiotic and biotic properties, as well as related ecological processes. Previous studies showed, for example, that earthworms can counteract the detrimental effects of plant‐feeding nematodes on plant growth. However, potential interactive effects of N deposition and exotic earthworms on ecosystems are poorly understood.

We explored the changes in density of plant‐feeding nematodes in response to the presence of exotic earthworms, and whether these changes are altered by elevated N deposition in a two‐factorial field mesocosm experiment at the Heshan National Field Research Station of Forest Ecosystem, in southern China.

Our results show that earthworm addition marginally significantly increased the density of exotic earthworms and significantly increased the mass of earthworm casts. The total density of plant‐feeding nematodes was not significantly affected by exotic earthworms or N deposition. However, exotic earthworms tended to increase the density of plant‐feeding nematode taxa that are less detrimental to plant growth (r‐strategists), while they significantly reduced the density of more harmful plant‐feeding nematodes (K‐strategists). Importantly, these earthworm effects were restricted to the ambient N deposition treatment, and elevated N deposition cancelled out the earthworm effect. Although exotic earthworms and N deposition interactively altered foliar N : P ratio in the target tree species, this did not result in significant changes in shoot and root biomass in the short term.

Overall, our study indicates that N deposition can cancel out exotic earthworm‐induced reductions in the density of harmful plant‐feeding nematodes. These results suggest that anthropogenic N deposition can alter biotic interactions between exotic and native soil organisms with potential implications for ecosystem functioning.