bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular goniometers for single-particle cryo-EM of DNA-binding proteins
Authors: Aksel Tural , Yu Zanlin , Cheng Yifan , Douglas Shawn M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCorrect reconstruction of macromolecular structure by cryo-electron microscopy relies on accurate determination of the orientation of single-particle images. For small (<100 kDa) DNA-binding proteins, obtaining particle images with sufficiently asymmetric features to correctly guide alignment is challenging. DNA nanotechnology was conceived as a potential tool for building host nanostructures to prescribe the locations and orientations of docked proteins. We used DNA origami to construct molecular goniometers—instruments to precisely orient objects—to dock a DNA-binding protein on a double-helix stage that has user-programmable tilt and rotation angles. Each protein orientation maps to a distinct barcode pattern specifying particle classification and angle assignment. We used goniometers to obtain a 6.5 Å structure of BurrH, an 82-kDa DNA-binding protein whose helical pseudosymmetry prevents accurate image orientation using classical cryo-EM. Our approach should be adaptable for other DNA-binding proteins, and a wide variety of other small proteins, by fusing DNA binding domains to them.
Structure-guided DNA-DNA attraction mediated by divalent cations
Authors: Srivastava Amit , Timsina Raju , Heo Seung , Dewage Sajeewa Walimuni , Kirmizialtin Serdal , Qiu Xiangyun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractProbing the role of surface structure in electrostatic interactions, we report the first observation of sequence-dependent dsDNA condensation by divalent alkali cations. Disparate behaviors were found between two repeating sequences with 100% AT content, a poly(A)-poly(T) duplex (AA-TT) and a poly(AT)-poly(TA) duplex (AT-TA). While AT-TA exhibits non-distinguishable behaviors from random-sequence genomic DNA, AA-TT condenses in all divalent alkali ions (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+). We characterized these interactions experimentally and investigated the underlying principles using all-atom computer simulations. Both experiment and simulation demonstrate that AA-TT condensation is driven by nonspecific ion-DNA interactions, which depend on the structures of ions and DNA surface. Detailed analyses reveal sequence-enhanced major groove binding (SEGB) of point-charged alkali ions as the major difference between AA-TT and AT-TA, which originates from the continuous and close stacking of nucleobase partial charges in AA-TT but not in AT-TA. These SEGB cations elicit attraction via spatial correlations with the phosphate backbone of neighboring helices, reminiscent of the “DNA-zipper” model, which though assumes non-electrostatic cation groove binding a priori. Our study thus presents a distinct molecular mechanism of DNA-DNA interaction in which sequence-directed surface motifs act with abundant divalent alkali cations non-specifically to enact sequence-dependent behaviors. This physical insight allows a renewed understanding of the function of repeating DNA sequences in genome organization and regulation and offers a facile approach for DNA technology to control the assembly process of DNA nanostructures.
Barrier Lyapunov function and disturbance observer based omnidirectional robust gust response stabilization for multi-control-effectors aircraft
Authors: Liu Jinglong , Wu Zhonghua , Xing Xiaowen , He Qizhi 
Published: February 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to find an omnidirectional robust gust response stabilization (GRS) scheme with anti-disturbance and state-limited features.

Design/methodology/approach
Disturbance observer and barrier Lyapunov techniques, which can, respectively, estimate the lumped disturbances of the dynamic system in real-time and ensure the middle states within some prescribed ranges according to some flight safety indexes.

Findings
In the existing literature, almost all of the GRS controllers are either only for the longitudinal dynamics or only for the latitudinal dynamics. Few studies have considered the gust response alleviation problem with omnidirectional wind disturbance and full aircraft model.

Originality/value
This paper proposes a fresh scheme to deal with a more holistic GRS problem; the disturbance observer based (DOB) barrier Lyapunov backstepping longitudinal controller has been put forward; DOB nonlinear dynamic inversion to handle the multi-input-multi-output lateral dynamics; and to closely connect the two loops of the latitudinal dynamics, a manipulating variable conversion method is proposed.
Evaluation of variable pitot inlet concepts for transonic and supersonic civil aviation
Authors: Kazula Stefan , Höschler Klaus 
Published: February 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to describe the selection of the ideal variable inlet concept group by using results of aerodynamic investigations, system safety analyses and integration studies.

Design/methodology/approach
Aerodynamic and functional inlet requirements are explained and variable inlet concept groups are introduced. The concept evaluation by means of a weighted point rating is presented. The respective concept groups are analysed and evaluated regarding economic, functional and safety requirements.

Findings
By means of this evaluation, the concept group that adjusts the inlet geometry by rigid segment repositioning is identified as most suitable concept group.

Originality/value
The early selection of the most suitable concept group enables more detailed subsequent concept investigations, potentially enabling the technology of variable inlets for future commercial aircraft.
Subjective well-being of people with ASD in Japan
Authors: Kojima Michio 
Published: February 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate developmental changes and factors affecting subjective well-being (SWB) of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in Japan.

Design/methodology/approach
Questionnaires were distributed to participants (n = 87) and interviews(n = 33) were conducted to investigate factors affecting SWB.

Findings
This study suggested that the SWB of people with ASD might be closely correlated with their self-esteem. Moreover, high school and university students have negative feelings such as anxiety and worries that affected their SWB, whereas working adults have positive feelings and thinking that influenced their SWB. Furthermore, hobbies were the source of happiness for people with ASD.

Originality/value
This study suggests the factors affecting SWB of people with ASD.
High quality factor fractal inductor with complementary split-ring array inclusion
Authors: Padavala Akhendra Kumar , Akondi Narayana Kiran , Nistala Bheema Rao 
Published: February 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to present an efficient method to improve quality factor of printed fractal inductors based on electromagnetic band-gap (EBG) surface.

Design/methodology/approach
Hilbert fractal inductor is designed and simulated using high-frequency structural simulator. To improve the quality factor, an EBG surface underneath the inductor is incorporated without any degradation in inductance value.

Findings
The proposed inductor and Q factor are measured based on well-known three-dimensional simulator, and the results are compared experimentally.

Practical implications
The proposed method was able to significantly decrease the noise with increase in the speed of radio frequency and sensor-integrated circuit design.

Originality/value
Fractal inductor is designed and simulated with and without EBG surfaces. The measurement of printed circuit board prototypes demonstrates that the inclusion of split-ring array as EBG surface increases the quality factor by 90 per cent over standard fractal inductor of the same dimensions with a small degradation in inductance value and is capable of operating up to 2.4 GHz frequency range.
Reduction of central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in resource limited, nonintensive care unit (ICU) settings
Authors: Poh Kok Wei , Ngan Cheng Huong , Wong Ji Yin , Ng Tiang Koi , Mohd Noor Nadiah 
Published: February 2020

PurposeThere was limited study available on successful intervention for central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) done at nonintensive care unit (ICU) and resources-limited setting. The objective of this study was to design, implement and evaluate a strategy to reduce CLABSI rate in non-ICU settings at general medical wards of Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar Seremban.Design/methodology/approachPreinterventional study was conducted in one-month period of January 2019, followed by intervention period from February to March 2019. Postintervention study was conducted from April to July 2019. The CLABSI rates were compared between pre and postintervention periods. A multifaceted intervention bundle was implemented, which comprised (1) educational program for healthcare workers, (2) weekly audit and feedback and (3) implementation of central line bundle of care.FindingsThere was a significant overall reduction of CLABSI rate between preintervention and postintervention period [incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 0.06 (95 percent CI, 0.01–0.33;P = 0.001)].Practical implicationsCLABSI rates were reduced by a multifaceted intervention bundle, even in non-ICU and resource-limited setting. This includes a preinterventional study to identify the risk factors followed by a local adaption of the recommended care bundles. This study recommends resources-limited hospitals to design a strategy that is suitable for their own local setting to reduce CLABSI.Originality/valueThis study demonstrated the feasibility of a multifaceted intervention bundle that was locally adapted with an evidence-based approach to reduce CLABSI rate in non-ICU and resource-limited setting.
Pension plan funding and market value of the firm: the Portuguese case
Authors: Garcia Maria Teresa Medeiros , Domingos José Amílcar Neves 
Published: February 2020

PurposeThe objective of the paper is to test the existence of a direct effect between the funding level of a firm's pension fund and its respective market price in Portugal, from 2010 to 2015, using a selected sample of Portuguese Stock Index (PSI Geral) firms. Although this relationship has been contemplated in the literature, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom, there is no finding concerning Portugal. The study of pension assets and obligations is of particular importance to investors and market makers alike.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilizes two distinct methods – a cross-sectional model and a variable-effect event study – to assess the hypothesis that an increase in pension deficit is reflected in the market value of a firm by a decrease of equal magnitude.FindingsThis paper finds that a firm's market value is not reduced by an increase in pension deficit and that pension liabilities are already integrated in corporate debt. These results suggest that shareholders fail to take into account occupational pension plan funding status when valuing a firm in such a way that contrasts with the normal evaluation of debt.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first attempt to examine this relationship in Portugal.
Comprehensive moderated mediation model of potential appraisal of employees
Authors: Mittal Shashank 
Published: February 2020

PurposePotential appraisal is the foremost indicator of employee's readiness to take higher responsibilities and used for multiple purposes in promotion, human resource development including training and development needs of employees. This study examines how construal level as psychological difference among employees (holistic–analytic differential in preference of thinking for various action domains among individuals) and meaningfulness of work is related to their readiness for development and responsibility. Combining meaning of work literature and cognitive psychology, the moderated mediation model is formed to examine the psychological process and social boundary conditions in the relationship between construal level and potential appraisal of employees.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 1,494 working executives and their 297 reporting managers across companies operating in an industrial cluster situated in India. The proposed model considered “experienced meaningfulness” as mediator and contextual factors of psychological empowerment and supervisor feedback as moderators.FindingsUsing multi-variate analysis and after controlling for industry type and experience, supervisor potential appraisal ratings of employees are found to be statistically related to construal level, and this relationship is found to be partially mediated by “experienced meaningfulness” of work. Further, contextual factors are found to be significant as moderators.Originality/valueBy bringing the subjective interpretation of different aspects of meaning of work from work design literature to examine its role in relationship between aspects of cognitive psychology and potential appraisal of employees, this study bridges the gap between cognitive psychology of development, meaning of work literature and HRD literature. Further implications for academic literature and managers are discussed.
Does leader humor style matter and to whom?
Authors: Neves Pedro , Karagonlar Gökhan 
Published: February 2020

PurposeThe interest on leader humor styles is recent. By applying a trustworthiness framework, the authors examine (1) how leader humor styles contribute to performance and deviance via trust in the supervisor and (2) who benefits/suffers the most from different leader humor styles.Design/methodology/approachThe authors tested their hypotheses in a sample of 428 employee–supervisor dyads from 19 organizations operating in the services sector.FindingsAffiliative and self-enhancing leader humor styles are particularly beneficial for employees with low core-self-evaluations, helping them develop trust in the supervisor and consequently improving their performance. An aggressive leader humor style, via decreased trust in the supervisor, reduces performance, regardless of employees' core self-evaluations. Self-enhancing and self-defeating leader humor styles also present significant relationships with organizational deviance.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations include the cross-sectional design and the limited number of mechanisms examined.Practical implicationsOrganizations need to train leaders in the use of humor and develop a culture where beneficial humor styles are endorsed, while detrimental humor styles are not tolerated.Originality/valueThese findings contribute to the literatures on trust and humor, by showing that the use of humor is not as trivial as one could initially think, particularly for those with low core self-evaluations, and by expanding our knowledge of the mechanisms by which different leader humor styles may influence performance and deviance.
What matters in implementing the factory of the future
Authors: Pessot Elena , Zangiacomi Andrea , Battistella Cinzia , Rocchi Valerie , Sala Alessandro , Sacco Marco 
Published: February 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to study the extent of the transformation of European manufacturing companies towards the factory of the future (FoF) and related concepts, e.g. Industry 4.0 and digitalisation.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative survey design was used to investigate the areas, patterns and elements for implementing FoF. A total of 92 responses from manufacturing firms of Alpine regions were collected and analysed, followed by in-depth interviews with a subset of respondents to identify common challenges, drivers and opportunities for the transformation.FindingsManufacturing companies are gaining awareness on their needs and gaps in the FoF path, the implications on business strategy and the rates of innovation and technology adoption. Nevertheless, they still need to shape their organisational structures (e.g. from highly centralised to more collaborative ones) and nurture their managerial capabilities in operations and supply chain management, and customer relationships, only partially based on FoF technologies.Research limitations/implicationsThis study aims to contribute to recent literature and practice of FoF (and related concepts) by depicting a picture of the possible areas of intervention, main issues and gaps (especially in terms of skills, supply chain and customer relationships) of manufacturing companies in their digital transformation. The qualitative research design and its scope represent the main limitations.Originality/valueThis paper provides a systemic overview for FoF by encompassing the technological, strategic, managerial and organisational perspectives of digitalisation in manufacturing and integrating the insights from a multi-sectorial and multi-dimensional analysis.
Family SMEs’ survival: the role of owner family and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Ahmad Shabir , Siddiqui Kamran Ahmed , AboAlsamh Hoda Mahmoud 
Published: February 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of owner family involvement in business on sustainable survival of family small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and to empirically validate the intervening role of corporate social responsibility (CSR).Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyze data from 489 owner and nonowner executives of 150 family SMEs using PLS-SEM (Partial Least Square–Structural Equation Modeling).FindingsThe authors found evidence that family involvement in business positively impacts the sustainable survival of family SMEs while corporate social responsibility partially mediates this relationship. Apart from effective family involvement in business, active involvement in social causes enhances a firm's ability to survive longer.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was conducted in a geographic context and data were collected from family-managed and controlled firms. Further research is needed to generalize the findings to all types of family firms in the global context. In an Islamic society, family firms need to invest in social causes, human development, and environmental sustainability through zakat, sadaqat, and donations.Practical implicationsThe findings imply that family firms require stakeholder-centric competitive strategies and socially responsible behavior along with effective family control, commitment, enrichment, and successful succession since the path to sustainable survival goes through CSR.Originality/valueSurvival is the biggest challenge facing family SMEs forcing them to achieve the ability to sustain longer. Rooted in transaction cost economics (TCE) theory of the family firm and stakeholder theory, this paper validates an integrative model for family SMEs' sustainable survival.
Elevated atmospheric CO2 suppresses jasmonate and silicon‐based defences without affecting herbivores
Authors: Hall Casey R. , Mikhael Meena , Hartley Susan E. , Johnson Scott N. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Elevated atmospheric CO2 (eCO2) not only increases plant growth but can also interfere with defence against insect herbivory through the disruption of the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway. Silicon (Si) plays an important role in plant stress tolerance and resistance to herbivory, particularly in grasses, many of which accumulate high amounts of Si. Activation of the JA pathway has been reported to stimulate Si uptake, while Si supplementation can alter both constitutive and induced phytohormone levels. A reduction in JA concentration under eCO2 has the potential to reduce Si uptake in plants.

Using both Si supplemented (Si+) and control (Si−) plants (Brachypodium distachyon) grown under ambient (400 ppm) and elevated (640 ppm) CO2 concentrations, we tested how plant growth, foliar Si concentration and endogenous JA responded to methyl jasmonate (MeJA) application and the subsequent effects on insect herbivore performance (Helicoverpa armigera).

Elevated CO2 reduced Si concentration by 19% and endogenous JA by 70% on average. MeJA significantly increased Si concentration in Si+ plants. Si+ plants had higher baseline JA levels compared to Si− plants under control conditions (i.e. no stress), however, when plants were chemically induced with MeJA, the JA response was on average 84% lower in Si+ plants compared to Si− plants. Plants without MeJA treatment showed the opposite response, that is, Si+ plants had higher baseline JA levels compared to Si− plants. Si significantly reduced herbivore consumption and growth rate. Despite eCO2 significantly reducing both Si and endogenous JA, no effect was seen on herbivores feeding on eCO2 plants.

Collectively our results suggest that Si alters the JA response of plants. We show that JA induces Si uptake, however, Si then reduces the JA response of plants under induced stress conditions. However, predicted increases in CO2 levels within this century may significantly reduce Si‐based mechanical defences against herbivory via a reduction of endogenous JA.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
The Implications of the Political Situation in the UK for Firms: A Bourdieusian Perspective
Authors: Śliwa Martyna , Kerr Ron , Robinson Sarah 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe political situation in the UK poses unprecedented challenges for firms as well as management and organization studies (MOS) scholars. In this short paper, we encourage MOS researchers to consider the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu's conceptual framework, in particular, his key concepts of field, capital, habitus and hysteresis, as a lens to analyse the multifaceted implications for firms of the current political circumstances in the UK. We explain how a Bourdieusian perspective can help researchers challenge taken‐for‐granted assumptions about the interconnections between politics and business in the context of Brexit and can assist in generating valuable insights regarding the situation of firms operating in the UK in the context of the present changes in the environment.
The Battle over Syria's Reconstruction
Authors: Hinnebusch Raymond 
Published: February 2020

AbstractReconstruction is becoming the new battleground in the Syrian conflict – its continuation by other means. It is instrumentalized by the regime as a way to reconsolidate its control over the country and by rival regional and international powers to shape the internal balance of power and establish spheres of influence in the country. The paper examines the Asad regime's practices, including co‐optation of militia leaders via reconstruction concessions and use of reconstruction to clear strategic areas of opposition‐dominated urban settlements. The paper then surveys how the geopolitical struggle in Syria has produced an asymmetry as regards reconstruction: those powers that lost the geopolitical contest on the ground seek to use geo‐economic superiority to reverse the geopolitical outcome. First the impact of proxy wars and spheres of influence in the country on the security context for reconstruction is examined. Finally, the reconstruction initiatives of the various external parties are assessed, including Russia, Iran and Turkey as well as the spoiler role by which the US seeks to obstruct reconstruction that would spell victory in Syria for its Russian and Iranian rivals.