bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Characterization of L-Glutaminase producing Bacteria
Authors: Saleem Rabia , Ahmed Safia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBeing a significant protein L-glutaminases discovers potential applications in various divisions running from nourishment industry to restorative and cure. It is generally disseminated in microbes, actinomycetes, yeast and organisms. Glutaminase is the principal enzyme that changes glutamine to glutamate. The samples were gathered from soil of Taxila, Wah Cantt and Quetta, Pakistan for the isolation of glutaminase producing bacteria. After primary screening, subordinate screening was done which includes multiple testification such as purification, observation of morphological characters and biochemical testing of bacterial strains along with 16S rRNA sequence homology testing. Five bacterial strains were selected showing glutaminase positive test in screening, enzyme production via fermentation and enzymatic and protein assays. Taxonomical characterization of the isolates identified them asBacillus subtilisU1,Achromobacter xylosoxidansG1,Bacillus subtilisQ2,Stenotrophomonas maltophiliaU3 andAlcaligenes faecalisS3. The optimization of different effectors such as incubation time, inducers, carbon source, pH, and nitrogen source were also put under consideration. There was slight difference among incubation of bacterial culture, overall, 36 hours of incubation time was the best for glutaminase production by all the strains. Optimal pH was around 9 inAchromobacter xylosoxidansG1 andAlcaligenes faecalisS3, pH 6 inBacillus subtilisU1, pH 8 inStenotrophomonas maltophiliaU3, pH 6-8 inBacillus subtilisQ2. Best glutaminase production was obtained at 37°C byBacillus subtilisU1andBacillus subtilisQ2, 30°C forAchromobacter xylosoxidansG1,Stenotrophomonas maltophiliaU3 and 25°C byAlcaligenes faecalisS3. The carbon sources put fluctuated effects on activity of enzyme in such a way that glucose was the best carbon source forBacillus subtilisU1andBacillus subtilisQ2, Sorbitol forAchromobacter xylosoxidansG1 andAlcaligenes faecalisS3 while xylose was the best forStenotrophomonas maltophiliaU3. Yeast extract and Trypton were among good nitrogen sources forAchromobacter xylosoxidansG1 and ofBacillus subtilisU1 respectively. Glutamine was the best inducer forBacillus subtilisQ2,Alcaligenes faecalisS3 andStenotrophomonas maltophiliaU3, while lysine forAchromobacter xylosoxidansG1 and glycine act as good inducer in case ofBacillus subtilisU1. After implementation of optimal conditions microbial L-glutaminase production can be achieved and the bacterial isolates have a great potential for production of glutaminase enzyme and their applications.
Predicting modular functions and neural coding of behavior from a synaptic wiring diagram
Authors: Vishwanathan Ashwin , Ramirez Alexandro D. , Wu Jingpeng , Sood Alex , Yang Runzhe , Kemnitz Nico , Ih Dodam , Turner Nicholas , Lee Kisuk , Tartavull Ignacio , Silversmith William M. , Jordan Chris S. , David Celia , Bland Doug , Goldman Mark S. , Aksay Emre R. F. , Seung H. Sebastian ,   the Eyewirers
Published: October 2020

AbstractHow much can connectomes with synaptic resolution help us understand brain function? An optimistic view is that a connectome is a major determinant of brain function and a key substrate for simulating a brain. Here we investigate the explanatory power of connectomics using a wiring diagram reconstructed from a larval zebrafish brainstem. We identify modules of strongly connected neurons that turn out to be specialized for different behavioral functions, the control of eye and body movements. We then build a neural network model using a synaptic weight matrix based on the reconstructed wiring diagram. This leads to predictions that statistically match the neural coding of eye position as observed by calcium imaging. Our work shows the promise of connectome-based brain modeling to yield experimentally testable predictions of neural activity and behavior, as well as mechanistic explanations of low-dimensional neural dynamics, a widely observed phenomenon in nervous systems.
Crispr2vec: Machine Learning Model Predicts Off-Target Cuts of CRISPR systems
Authors: Trivedi Tara Basu , Boger Ron , Kamath Govinda M. , Evangelopoulos Georgios , Cate Jamie , Doudna Jennifer , Hidary Jack 
Published: October 2020

1AbstractClustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-Cas systems have revolutionized gene editing, with applications in therapeutics, diagnostics, agriculture, and developing disease models. However, CRISPR-Cas suffers from off-target effects — unintended genetic modifications in the genome that arise from its use. In this work, we present crispr2vec: a deep metric learning approach for embedding CRISPR single guide RNA (sgRNA) sequences and predicting off-target cuts. Given a fixed target sequence, we show that our learned embedding yields a faithful representation of potential off-targets. We present a new triplet sampling strategy specifically for CRISPR sequences that improves the quality of our embedding. We show the resulting embedding generalizes across different off-target cut detection assays. Finally, we demonstrate the superiority of our deep metric learning method in its ability to predict off-target cuts compared to previous literature in cross fold validation across different datasets for both seen and unseen sgRNAs.
Chloroplast quality control pathways are dependent on plastid DNA synthesis and nucleotides provided by cytidine triphosphate synthase two
Authors: Alamdari Kamran , Fisher Karen E. , Welsh David W. , Rai Snigdha , Palos Kyle R. , Nelson Andrew D. L. , Woodson Jesse D. 
Published: October 2020

SummaryReactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in chloroplasts cause oxidative damage, but also signal to initiate chloroplast quality control pathways, cell death, and gene expression. The mechanisms behind these signals are largely unknown.TheArabidopsis thaliana plastid ferrochelatase two(fc2) mutant produces the ROS singlet oxygen in chloroplasts that activates such signaling pathways. Here we mapped onefc2suppressor mutation toCYTIDINE TRIPHOSPHATE SYNTHASE TWO(CTPS2), which encodes one of five enzymes inArabidopsisnecessary forde novocytoplasmic CTP (and dCTP) synthesis.Thectps2mutation reduces chloroplast transcripts and DNA content without similarly affecting mitochondria. Chloroplast nucleic acid content and singlet oxygen signaling are restored by exogenous feeding of the dCTP precursor deoxycytidine, suggestingctps2blocks signaling by limiting nucleotides for chloroplast genome maintenance.An investigation of CTPS orthologs in Brassicaceae showed CTPS2 is a member of an ancient lineage distinct from CTPS3. Complementation studies confirmed this analysis; CTPS3 was unable to compensate for CTPS2 function in providing nucleotides for chloroplast DNA and signaling.Our studies link cytoplasmic nucleotide metabolism with chloroplast quality control pathways. Such a connection is achieved by a conserved clade of CTPS enzymes that may have evolved specialized functions in providing nucleotides to specific subcellular compartments.
Consumer awareness and willingness to purchase probiotic food and beverage products: a study of Sonipat district, Haryana
Authors: Arora Sapna , Prabha Krishna , Sharanagat Vijay Singh , Mishra Vijendra 
Published: October 2020

PurposeIn a developing country like India, consumers are shifting from high-energy diet to balanced nutritional diet, which enhances the metabolic, physiological, functional and health benefits of consumers. The growing self-care and health-embracing population made the probiotic sector as lucrative market for functional food manufacturers and suppliers. Therefore, an analysis is required to understand consumers’ knowledge and buying behavior regarding probiotic products for product innovation and development.Design/methodology/approachAwareness, knowledge and consumption patterns of probiotic products were investigated among randomly selected 306 consumers in the Sonipat city of Haryana, which comes in the proximity of national capital, i.e. Delhi, India. A structured questionnaire with exploratory characteristics was developed and face-to-face interviews were conducted as a part of data collection.FindingsThe inference is that there is immense potential for the probiotic fruit beverage market as a higher proportion of the population was interested in probiotic products delivered with fruits as a base matrix followed by dairy products. Further, government’s initiation and support are required not only for manufacturing such health-beneficial products having therapeutic value but also to spread awareness regarding the necessity of including such products in the meals of the growing children.Originality/valueThe study shows changing customer attitudes toward probiotic products and sheds light on consumers’ preference on the medium (food matrix) of probiotic delivery, thereby exploring market opportunities in the area of the functional food sector.
A conceptual model of subcontractor development practices for LEED projects
Authors: Ofori-Boadu Andrea Nana , Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Edwards David John , Asiseh Fafanyo 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThis paper presents a conceptual model of effective subcontractor development practices to guide general contractors' development of a network of high-performing subcontractors (SCs) for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects.Design/methodology/approachDrawing from supplier development theories and practices in the manufacturing sector, a mixed interpretivist and empirical methodology is adopted to examine the body of knowledge within literature for conceptual model development. A self-reporting survey questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale is used to assess 30 construction professionals' perceptions of the effectiveness of 37 SC development practices classified into five categories. Descriptive statistics, weighted means, and t-tests are used for data analysis.FindingsSC prequalification, commitment, incentives, evaluation and feedback practices can be effective in generating high-performing SCs. Practices that require more direct involvement and linkages between GC and SC are perceived to be less effective.Research limitations/implicationsTheoretical contributions include a framework to foster future research to advance knowledge and understanding to enhance the adoption of SC development practices in the construction sector.Practical implicationsImplementation of ranked SC development practices can equip GCs with a network of high-performing SCs for improved competitive advantage and revenues.Originality/valueThe proposed conceptual model expands discussions on the modification of supplier development theories and practices currently utilized in the manufacturing sector toward their application in the construction sector. This research differs from previous research, which primarily focused on the manufacturing sector.
Holistic renovation of historic and heritage buildings: comparing New Zealand and international scenarios
Authors: Paschoalin Rachel , Isaacs Nigel 
Published: October 2020

PurposeHolistic renovation of historic and heritage buildings involving different stakeholders has the potential to reduce environmental impact. Climate change concerns are emphasizing environmental issues of cultural built heritage leading to new policies, guidelines and methods dealing with the challenge on how to lessen the environmental impact of built heritage without damaging its cultural significance. The purpose of this paper is to review existing international and New Zealand holistic guidelines for renovation of historic and heritage buildings.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review is used to identify international projects, methods and criteria within the holistic approach. Secondly, the New Zealand context is explored and compared with best international practices.FindingsFor instance, in New Zealand one increasingly important issue is the many vacant heritage and historic buildings in provincial town centres that need action to deal with building code seismic changes. Upgrades and adaptive reuse are opportunities to make them more sustainable and climate change resilient. However, the lack of national holistic guidelines regarding the challenge of reducing environmental impact whilst keeping the heritage values is a critical gap which urgently needs to be resolved. The need is further increased within the context of the recently passed Zero Carbon Act 2019, which aims for national zero carbon emissions by 2050.Originality/valueThese shared responsibilities for conserving historic and heritage buildings to maintain life in provincial towns on one hand, and the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the other, have the potential to contribute to a sustainable development of cities and communities.
Cross-blockchain protocol for public registries
Authors: Konashevych Oleksii 
Published: October 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a concept of the protocol for public registries based on blockchain. New database protocol aims to use the benefits of blockchain technologies and ensure their interoperability.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is framed with design science research (DSR). The primary method is exaptation, i.e. adoption of solutions from other fields. The research is looking into existing technologies which are applied here as elements of the protocol: Name-Value Storage (NVS), Berkley DB, RAID protocol, among others. The choice of NVS as a reference technology for creating a database over blockchain is based on the analysis and comparison with two other similar technologies Bigchain and Amazon QLDB.

Findings
The proposed mechanism allows creating a standard database over a bundle of distributed ledgers. It ensures a blockchain agnostic approach and uses the benefits of various blockchain technologies in one ecosystem. In this scheme, blockchains play the role of journal storages (immutable log), whereas the overlaid database is the indexed storage. The distinctive feature of such a system is that in blockchain, users can perform peer-to-peer transactions directly in the ledger using blockchain native mechanism of user access management with public-key cryptography (blockchain does not require to administrate its database).

Originality/value
This paper presents a new method of creating a public peer-to-peer database across a bundle of distributed ledgers.
Sustainability reporting challenges in developing countries: towards management perceptions research evidence-based practices
Authors: Tauringana Venancio 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is threefold. First, it aims to identify managerial perceptions-based research determinants of sustainability reporting. Second, it sets out to evaluate the impact of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) efforts in increasing SR in developing countries. Third, the researcher argues for the adoption of management perceptions research evidence-based practices (EBP) to address SR challenges in developing countries.Design/methodology/approachThe study was undertaken using a desk-based review of management perceptions-based research literature on the determinants of SR. The impact of GRI efforts in increasing adoption of SR was undertaken through both desk-based research and descriptive analysis of data obtained from the GRI database from 2014 to 2019 relating to 107 developing countries. The call for the adoption of management perceptions research EBP is based on a critical analysis of both the management perceptions of the determinants of SR research and evaluation the impact of GRI efforts to increase SR in developing countries.FindingsTraining, legislation, issuing of guidance, stakeholder pressure, awareness campaigns, market and public pressure were identified as some of the determinants of SR. The evaluation of the impact of GRI efforts shows they had limited impact on increasing SR in developing countries. Research needed to adopt management perceptions research EBP is identified.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is conceptual. Management perceptions-based research is needed in more developing countries to better understand the determinants of SR and identify the most effective policies or practices to address related challenges.Originality/valueThe findings contribute to the calls to make academic research more relevant to policy formulation. In particular, the proposal for research needed to inform EBP adoption to address SR challenges in developing countries is new.
Questioned parents and the professional gaze. Negotiating the organizational narratives of the at-risk parent
Authors: Dahl Silje Louise , Andenes Ellen Madssen , Dahl Johanne Yttri 
Published: October 2020

Purpose
This study aims at a better understanding of parents’ identity work when their parenting skills are questioned, in an organizational setting. The parents in this study were assessed as at risk of unsatisfactory parental functioning because of problems related to drugs, mental health and/or psychosocial functioning, and they were observed and offered guidance at an extended health centre in Norway. The study explores how individual self-presentations are interwoven with and dependent on organizational narratives of identity.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on an analysis of 16 qualitative interviews, three exemplary cases are analyzed in detail. Narrative identity and professional gaze constitute the theoretical framework.

Findings
Parents and service providers negotiate which organizational narratives of identity are available, and the narratives are integrated in parents’ self-presentations in different ways. The most common strategy is to accept the organizational narratives offered, but they are also transformed and rejected. The experience of being seen by an empathic professional gaze contributes to the creation of an acceptable self-narrative.

Practical implications
Tending to parents’ identity needs should be an integral part of services provided. If parents are to cooperate with state services and engage in interventions, their needs for preserving an acceptable and coherent self-narrative must be considered.

Originality/value
This paper adds to the understanding of how identity work is a central feature of service provision. It also adds to the literature on relationships between identity narratives at different levels of society.
Asymmetric transport costs and welfare implications through a firm-delocation effect
Authors: Karavidas Dionysios 
Published: October 2020

PurposeWith the use of a two-region monopolistically competitive model, the paper primarly studies how unilateral changes in a country's intra-regional and/or inter-national transport costs affect its own and its trading partner's welfare. Moreover, by considering a three-region monopolistically competitive model that consists of an external region and two integrated regions, with the one having a location advantage with respect to the external market, the paper studies how within-country asymmetries in transport costs affect trading partner's welfare.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines how investments in the infrastructure affect welfare in the home country and in its trading partner by primarily using a model with direction-specific intra-regional and inter-national trade costs. Moreover, it focuses on the within-country asymmetries in transportation costs and their impacts on trading partners' welfare.FindingsThe first model shows that a unilateral reduction in a country's transport costs is beneficial for its domestic firms, while it hurts firms located in its trading partner country. Other findings show that an equal bilateral reduction in inter-national transport costs is a Pareto improvement, since it is beneficial for both countries. The second model shows that a reduction in intra-regional transport costs benefits the two integrated regions, while it has no impact on the welfare of the external region.Originality/valueTwo monopolistically competitive models are considered, in order to study how investments in the infrastructure affect welfare in the home country and in its trading partner. Interestingly, the models sheds light on an important mechanism, that of firm-delocation effect.
Religion and social network analysis: the discipline of early modern quakers
Authors: Fincham Andrew , Burton Nicholas 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThe importance of networks has been established in the development of commerce and capitalism, with key concepts reflecting both the dynamic and permeable characteristics of networks. Such attributes are exemplified by religious networks, which have been typically dismissed in terms of economic contribution as being both risk-averse and bounded by ethical barriers imposed by theology. This paper aims to examine the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in the long 18th century to evidence the multi-plexity and density of connections and suggest that adherence to the Quaker discipline acted as a trust-based attribute and substituted for repeated iteration.Design/methodology/approachThe archival investigation centres upon an analysis of “The Catalogue of Quaker Writing” and a close re-reading of the seminal text “Quakers in Science and Industry”, an authoritative account of Quaker firms and families in industry and commerce. By identifying multiple possible social network connections in Raistrick’s work, this paper reviewed and analysed The Catalogue of Quaker Writing to examine the presence or absence of these connections in the Quaker network in the long 18th century.FindingsThis paper shows how the Quaker network was an unusually dense network that benefited co-religionists by enabling commerce through its unique topography. In a period characterized by the absence of formal institutional mechanisms to regulate behaviour, Quaker discipline acted as a quasi-regulatory mechanism to regulate membership of the network and to govern member moral behaviour.Originality/valueThe Quakers offer an opportunity to examine an early modern network to gain important insights into key aspects of network topography. By using social network analysis, this paper shows how Quakers performed a multiplicity of roles, which encouraged multiple modes of contact between members of the society in a dense network of contexts, which, in turn, provided high levels of connectedness between individuals. This unique range of roles, shared among a relatively small group of individuals, ensured that the degrees of separation between roles were very few; similarly, the plethora of connections resulted in a density, which not only allowed for multiple ways to engage with other individuals but also ensured no individual would become a bottle-neck or indeed a gateway that would prevent access. This unique topography was also highly unusual in that it was permeable to any aspirant member upon acceptance of the discipline – neither poverty nor lack of social status was barriers to membership. This unusual network offered atypical commercial advantages for its members.