bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innovation capabilities and performance of biotechnology firms
Authors: Stezano Federico , Oliver Espinoza Ruben 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to provide empirical evidence regarding the relationship between different capabilities and innovation performances in the biotechnology sector, in the case of Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach
Given the aforementioned objective, this paper constructs different indicators on types of capabilities and innovative performances and, based on them, performs an econometric analysis based on a logit model. The work assumes the central assumptions of the firm's evolutionary theory and, in this sense, seeks to provide quantitative empirical evidence that explains the way in which the construction of different types of capacities determines the innovation results of Mexican firms in the biotechnology sector.

Findings
Corroborating the previous empirical evidence in analysis of firm’s capabilities in the biotechnology sector, this work empirically states that productive, absorption, technological and innovative capabilities positively influence the innovative performance of Mexican biotechnology firms.

Originality/value
This work examines a central theme linked to the current analysis of innovation and knowledge processes: the relationship between the organizational capacities of firms in the biotechnology sector and their innovative performance. Through a detailed analysis based on a national survey of Mexican biotechnology firms, this work underlines the importance of generating a new type of reflection on linkage among capabilities, innovation, paradigms and trajectories, technological opportunities, relationship dynamics among actors and modes of insertion into the biotechnology value chain.
Industry-university interaction strategies of large Brazilian pharmaceutical companies
Authors: Paranhos Julia , Perin Fernanda Steiner , Mercadante Eduardo , Soares Caroline 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the strategies and organizational forms used by large Brazilian pharmaceutical companies (LBPCs) in interaction with universities for the development of innovation.

Design/methodology/approach
In the pharmaceutical industry, a science-based sector, the source of new knowledge is often outside the company environment. Thus, the search for innovation depends on the company’s strategic decisions of cooperation. This research uses the case study method, with secondary data from the 2008, 2011 and 2014 Innovation Survey (Pintec) about the innovative efforts of LBPCs, as well as primary data from semi-structured interviews with six of them.

Findings
The most recent data on innovation in Brazil show changes in the innovative efforts of LBPCs, involving the raise in the interaction with universities. The results of the field research also show that the LBPCs have differentiated innovative structures and are effectively using strategies for partnerships with universities, through the creation of radical innovation departments, the establishment of internal scientific committees and the internationalization of research and development.

Originality/value
These findings contribute to the literature on the industry-university interactions in Brazil and in developing countries. However, this analysis cannot be generalized for the Brazilian pharmaceutical industry as it uses the case study method. Moreover, it is too early to determine if the identified strategies were successful. Nonetheless, it is worth mentioning that the strategies of the six interviewed companies differ greatly from the patterns of the Brazilian pharmaceutical industry and the manufacturing industry.
Human capital and entrepreneurial intentions: do entrepreneurship education and training provided by universities add value?
Authors: Aboobaker Nimitha , D. Renjini 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
In the context of conflicting results in the existing literature on the effectiveness of entrepreneurial education and training, this study aims to examine the effect of entrepreneurial training on perceived human capital and entrepreneurial intention of students. A deeper understanding of the effectiveness of entrepreneurship programs assumes significance, given the substantial policy support and budgetary spending on entrepreneurship education across the world, especially in emerging economies like India. Furthermore, the authors seek to examine if human capital mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial training and entrepreneurial intention.

Design/methodology/approach
In total, 330 final-year students who had undergone a mandatory course on “entrepreneurship and new venture planning” in various disciplines in science, technology and management were randomly selected as sample respondents. A self-administered and structured questionnaire that measured the attitude toward perceived effectiveness of entrepreneurial education and training, perceived human capital and the entrepreneurial intention was used to elicit responses.

Findings
Results revealed that entrepreneurial training and education are effective in eliciting an important student-level outcome of entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, the study found that human capital significantly mediates the aforementioned relationship. Based on these findings, it is suggested to further the focus of entrepreneurial training programs conducted in universities and thus foster entrepreneurial outcomes among students.

Originality/value
This study adds to the body of knowledge, by examining if entrepreneurial education and training provided by universities indeed yield positive results in terms of higher intentions to engage in entrepreneurial activities, with emphasis on a large developing economy like India. Entrepreneurship development is widely recognized as an effective tool for the socio-economic development of societies in developing countries. This study, by establishing the efficacy of entrepreneurship education in creating entrepreneurial intention among young students, endorses the policy focus and resource spending on entrepreneurship training and education. Also, this study is pioneering in examining the mediating role of human capital in the aforementioned relationship.
Non‐consumptive predator effects on prey population size: A dearth of evidence
Authors: Sheriff Michael J. , Peacor Scott D. , Hawlena Dror , Thaker Maria 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

There is a large and growing interest in non‐consumptive effects (NCEs) of predators. Diverse and extensive evidence shows that predation risk directly influences prey traits, such as behaviour, morphology and physiology, which in turn, may cause a reduction in prey fitness components (i.e. growth rate, survival and reproduction). An intuitive expectation is that NCEs that reduce prey fitness will extend to alter population growth rate and therefore population size.

However, our intensive literature search yielded only 10 studies that examined how predator‐induced changes in prey traits translate to changes in prey population size. Further, the scant evidence for risk‐induced changes on prey population size have been generated from studies that were performed in very controlled systems (mesocosm and laboratory), which do not have the complexity and feedbacks of natural settings. Thus, although likely that predation risk alone can alter prey population size, there is little direct empirical evidence that demonstrates that it does. There are also clear reasons that risk effects on population size may be much smaller than the responses on phenotype and fitness components that are typically measured, magnifying the need to show, rather than infer, effects on population size.

Herein we break down the process of how predation risk influences prey population size into a chain of events (predation risk affects prey traits, which affect prey fitness components and population growth rate, which affect prey population size), and highlight the complexity of each transition. We illustrate how the outcomes of these transitions are not straightforward, and how environmental context strongly dictates the direction and magnitude of effects. Indeed, the high variance in prey responses is reflected in the variance of results reported in the few studies that have empirically quantified risk effects on population size. It is therefore a major challenge to predict population effects given the complexity of how environmental context interacts with predation risk and prey responses.

We highlight the critical need to appreciate risk effects at each level in the chain of events, and that changes at one level cannot be assumed to translate into changes in the next because of the interplay between risk, prey responses, and the environment. The gaps in knowledge we illuminate underscore the need for more evidence to substantiate the claim that predation risk effects extend to prey population size. The lacunae we identify should inspire future studies on the impact of predation risk on population‐level responses in free‐living animals.
Economic uncertainty, ownership structure and small and medium enterprises performance
Authors: Doan Anh‐Tuan , Le Anh‐Tuan , Tran Quan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper investigates the effect of economic uncertainty on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) over the period 2007–2016. This paper also examines the effects of ownership structure on the relation between Economic Uncertainty and firm performance. We find that an increase in economic uncertainty is negatively associated with the performance of SMEs. Our results also reveal that increased economic uncertainty is associated with a lower performance level for state‐owned SMEs, whereas foreign‐owned SMEs can better mitigate the negative impact of on their performance than domestic‐owned firms.
Photogrammetry vs CT Scan: Evaluation of Accuracy of a Low‐Cost Three‐Dimensional Acquisition Method for Forensic Facial Approximation
Authors: Donato Laura , Cecchi Rossana , Goldoni Matteo , Ubelaker Douglas H. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPhotogrammetry is a three‐dimensional acquisition method potentially applicable to the forensic field. This possibility requires the verification of its accuracy. In this study, 3D volumes of skulls are generated to compare the photogrammetry versus the CT scan. In order to provide eligible material to the photogrammetric software, photographs were captured at a distance of 30 cm from the skull placed on a support 1 m in height and illuminated with diffused laboratory ceiling artificial light. A Nikon Coolpix P7100 camera was used. Photographs capture common elements with the previous and the next photograph so as to allow the photogrammetric software to recognize these common points between photographs and create a 3D puzzle. The Zephyr Lite (3DFlow©) software was employed to register the 3D volume. CT‐based skulls are taken as a metric reference. The photogrammetry‐based skulls are then enlarged according to the measurements of some landmarks or Zygion and Zygion, the distance between end of nasal and base of nasal pyramid for frontal projection, and minimum breadth of the mandibular ramus for the right lateral projection. The accuracy of the photogrammetry is compared to that of the CT scan by measuring the 3D volumes of the skulls studied. Specific landmarks are used as reference points for the measures in both frontal and lateral views. Bland–Altman graph shows homogeneity. The mean difference (1.28 mm) indicates that the measurements taken on the photogrammetry‐based skull tend to slightly overestimate compared with the measurements taken on the CT‐based skull.
Interactions among endotoxin, uric acid, and lactate in relation to the risk of type 2 diabetes: A population‐based study
Authors: Wu Muchao , Huang Xiuji , Yan Dan , Pan Hua , Li Feng , Ren Meng , Zhang Jin , Xu Mingtong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundBlood levels of endotoxin, uric acid (UA), or lactate (LAC) are associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thus, we explored the interactions among blood endotoxin, UA, and LAC levels and the risk of T2DM.MethodsThis population‐based cross‐sectional study included 2520 Chinese adults. Fasting blood endotoxin, UA, and LAC levels were determined and the cut‐off values were obtained from the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The study population was classified into two or four subgroups based on low or high, or both low and high levels of endotoxin, UA, and LAC, respectively.ResultsThe odds ratios (ORs) for T2DM (all P < .05) were higher in the high groups than the low groups of endotoxin, UA, or LAC, respectively. Participants in the groups with high levels of both endotoxin and UA, endotoxin and LAC, or UA and LAC, had 4.71 (95% CI 3.01‐7.37), 5.13 (95% CI 3.29‐7.99), or 3.73 (95% CI 2.34‐5.94) times higher risk for T2DM compared to those in groups with low levels of both endotoxin and UA, endotoxin and LAC, or UA and LAC (all P < 0.05), respectively. In the interaction analysis, an interactive effect between endotoxin and UA (P < .05), or endotoxin and LAC (P < .05), but not UA and LAC, was observed that contributed to an increased risk of T2DM.ConclusionsThe interaction between levels of endotoxin and UA or levels of endotoxin and LAC was related to an increased risk of T2DM in the Chinese population.
High‐quality genome assembly and transcriptome of Ancherythroculter nigrocauda, an endemic Chinese cyprinid species
Authors: Zhang Hua‐Hao , Xu Min‐Rui‐Xuan , Wang Ping‐Lan , Zhu Zhi‐Guo , Nie Cheng‐Feng , Xiong Xiao‐Min , Wang Le , Xie Zhen‐Zhen , Wen Xu , Zeng Qing‐Xiang , Zhang Xiao‐Gu , Dai Fang‐Yin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAncherythroculter nigrocauda is a cyprinid fish endemic of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in China, where it is an important aquaculture and commercial species. It is also a threatened species as a result of overfishing, dam construction and water pollution. In this study, a chromosome‐level genome assembly of A. nigrocauda is reported and built using PacBio sequencing and the Hi‐C technology. The 1.04‐Gb sequenced genome of A. nigrocauda contained 2,403 contigs, with an N50 length of 3.12 Mb. Then, 1,297 contigs, which represented 54.0% of all contigs and 97.2% of the whole content of the genome nucleotide base, were assembled into 24 chromosomes. Combined with transcriptome data from 10 tissues, 27,042 (78.5%) genes were functionally annotated out of 34,414 predicted protein‐coding genes. Interestingly, high expression of many positively selected genes and expanded gene families in the brain suggested that these genes might play important roles in brain development in A. nigrocauda. Finally, we found tissue‐specific expression of 10,732 genes. Functional analyses showed that they were mainly composed of genes related to (a) environmental information processing, (b) the circulatory system, and (c) development, suggesting they might be important for adaptation to different environments and for development of A. nigrocauda. The high‐quality genome obtained in this study not only provides a valuable genomic resource for future studies of A. nigrocauda populations and conservation, but is also an important resource for further functional genomics studies of fishes.
Biotic and abiotic factors shape arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities associated with the roots of the widespread fern Botrychium lunaria (Ophioglossaceae)
Authors: Sandoz Frédéric Alexandre , Bindschedler Saskia , Dauphin Benjamin , Farinelli Laurent , Grant Jason R. , Hervé Vincent 
Published: March 2020

SummaryArbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play central roles in terrestrial ecosystems by interacting with both above and belowground communities as well as by influencing edaphic properties. The AMF communities associated with the roots of the fern Botrychium lunaria (Ophioglossaceae) were sampled in four transects at 2400 m a.s.l. in the Swiss Alps and analyzed using metabarcoding. Members of five Glomeromycota genera were identified across the 71 samples. Our analyses revealed the existence of a core microbiome composed of four abundant Glomus operational taxonomic units (OTUs), as well as a low OTU turnover between samples. The AMF communities were not spatially structured, which contrasts with most studies on AMF associated with angiosperms. pH, microbial connectivity and humus cover significantly shaped AMF beta diversity but only explained a minor fraction of variation in beta diversity. AMF OTUs associations were found to be significant by both cohesion and co‐occurrence analyses, suggesting a role for fungus–fungus interactions in AMF community assembly. In particular, OTU co‐occurrences were more frequent between different genera than among the same genus, rising the hypothesis of functional complementarity among the AMF associated to B. lunaria. Altogether, our results provide new insights into the ecology of fern symbionts in alpine grasslands.
Using abnormal analyst coverage to unlock new evidence on stock price crash risk
Authors: Chowdhury Hasibul , Faff Robert , Hoang Khoa 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe employ a characteristic‐based model to decompose total analyst coverage into abnormal and expected components and show that abnormal coverage contains valuable information about firm‐level ex ante crash risk (proxied by implied volatility smirk from options data). Specifically, one standard deviation increase in unexpected or abnormal coverage is associated with a 5.5 percent decrease in the ex ante crash risk. The abnormal coverage signal is more useful for firms with a more transparent information environment, proxied by lower probability of informed trading, lower financial opacity, and more comparable financial statements. Moreover, the abnormal coverage effect is stronger for firms followed by analysts who issue more accurate and less dispersed forecasts. Collectively, these results suggest that options market investors utilise abnormal coverage to identify and assess crash risk of mispriced firms.
Marine hotspots of activity inform protection of a threatened community of pelagic species in a large oceanic jurisdiction
Authors: Requena S. , Oppel S. , Bond A. L. , Hall J. , Cleeland J. , Crawford R. J. M. , Davies D. , Dilley B. J. , Glass T. , Makhado A. , Ratcliffe N. , Reid T. A. , Ronconi R. A. , Schofield A. , Steinfurth A. , Wege M. , Bester M. , Ryan P. G. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRemote oceanic islands harbour unique biodiversity, especially of species that rely on the marine trophic resources around their breeding islands. Identifying marine areas used by such species is essential to manage and limit processes that threaten these species. The Tristan da Cunha territory in the South Atlantic Ocean hosts several endemic and globally threatened seabirds, and pinnipeds; how they use the waters surrounding the islands must be considered when planning commercial activities. To inform marine management in the Tristan da Cunha Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), we identified statistically significant areas of concentrated activity by collating animal tracking data from nine seabirds and one marine mammal. We first calculated the time that breeding adults of the tracked species spent in 10 × 10 km cells within the EEZ, for each of four seasons to account for temporal variability in space use. By applying a spatial aggregation statistic over these grids for each season, we detected areas that are used more than expected by chance. Most of the activity hotspots were either within 100 km of breeding colonies or were associated with seamounts, being spatially constant across several seasons. Our simple and effective approach highlights important areas for pelagic biodiversity that will benefit conservation planning and marine management strategies.
Understanding how nature works: Five pathways towards a more ecologically literate world – A perspective
Authors: Pitman Sheryn Dee , Daniels Christopher Brian 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe sustainability of human life on Earth depends upon the integrity of the relationship between humanity and nature. Natural systems support humanity, and knowledge and understanding of how nature works form the foundation of ecological literacy. It is ecological literacy, and science literacy in general, that underpins our capacity as humans to make well‐informed decisions about how to live in sustainable ways. It is of concern that levels of ecological knowledge and understanding within many contemporary human communities may be too low to enable effective decision‐making in support of sustainable human settlements. Our concern led to an exploration of the concept of ecological literacy and the assessment of a sample of South Australian adults. We found that while ecological literacy can vary significantly in correlation with a range of socio‐demographic and psychographic characteristics, no one factor is necessarily more critical than another. Based on this work, we have identified five pathways for growing eco‐literate communities. While the patterns and drivers of ecological knowledge and understanding naturally vary between cultures and communities, our findings certainly invite serious consideration for a society, and indeed a world, that aspires to cultivate informed citizenry, leadership and governance with capacity for building sustainable human settlements.
Long non‐coding RNA lnc‐DC in dendritic cells regulates trophoblast invasion via p‐STAT3‐mediated TIMP/MMP expression
Authors: Zhang Wen , Yang Mengyuan , Yu Ling , Hu Yun , Deng Yali , Liu Yang , Xiao Songyuan , Ding Yiling 
Published: March 2020

AbstractProblemDendritic cells are the primary antigen‐presenting cells that contact trophoblasts at the beginning of pregnancy. Excessive DCs maturity is described in some pregnancy complications, such as pre‐eclampsia and fetal growth restriction, which are characterized by impaired trophoblast invasion. However, the mechanism is unclear. The long non‐coding RNA long non‐coding RNA DC (lnc‐DC) is expressed exclusively in conventional human DCs and induces DC differentiation and maturation by promoting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation. Our previous investigation proved lnc‐DC and p‐STAT3 are elevated in pre‐eclampsia. This research is to study the mechanism of lnc‐DC and trophoblast invasion.Method of studyWe transfected DCs with lnc‐DC shRNA or a lentivirus for lnc‐DC overexpression and cocultured these treated DCs with trophoblast under different conditions. Transwell assay and wound healing assay were used to detect the trophoblast invasion ability. We also tested the matured DCs and Th1 cells as well as the p‐STAT3.ResultsWe found that lnc‐DC promoted DC maturation and inhibited trophoblast invasion without the involvement of CD4+T cells. And the p‐STAT3 agonist could reverse the lnc‐DC function.ConclusionMature DCs may be involved in altering trophoblast invasion through the overexpression of lnc‐DC, which increases p‐STAT3 levels and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1)/matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐2 (TIMP‐2)/matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) ratios. Thus, lnc‐DC is a promising novel target for regulating trophoblast invasion.