bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Standardization and validation of a panel of cross-species microsatellites to individually identify the Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus): implications in population estimation and dynamics
Authors: Modi Shrushti , Habib Bilal , Ghaskadbi Pallavi , Nigam Parag , Mondol Samrat 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe Asiatic wild dog or dhole (Cuon alpinus) is a highly elusive, monophyletic, forest dwelling, social canid distributed across south and Southeast Asia. Severe pressures from habitat loss, prey depletion, disease, human persecution and interspecific competition resulted in global population decline in dholes. Despite a declining population trend, detailed information on population size, ecology, demography and genetics is lacking. Generating reliable information and landscape level for dholes is challenging due to their secretive behaviour and monomorphic physical features. Recent advances in non-invasive DNA-based tools can be used to monitor populations and individuals across large landscapes. In this paper, we describe standardization and validation of faecal DNA-based methods for individual identification of dholes. We tested this method on field-collected dhole faeces in four tiger reserves of the central Indian landscape in the state of Maharashtra, India. Further, we conducted preliminary analyses of dhole population structure and demography in the study area.ResultsWe tested a total of 18 cross-species markers and developed a panel of 12 markers for unambiguous individual identification of dholes. This marker panel identified 101 unique individuals from faecal samples collected across our pilot field study area. These loci showed varied level of amplification success (57-88%), polymorphism (3-9 alleles), heterozygosity (0.23-0.63) and produced a cumulative probability of identity(unbiased)and probability of identity(sibs)value of 4.7×10−10and 1.5×10−4, respectively. Our preliminary analyses of population structure indicated four genetic subpopulations in dholes. Qualitative analyses of population demography show signal of population decline.ConclusionOur results demonstrated that the selected panel of 12 microsatellite loci can conclusively identify dholes from poor quality, non-invasive biological samples and help in exploring various population parameters. Our methods can be used to estimate dhole populations and assess population trends for this elusive, social carnivore.
A stable, long-term cortical signature underlying consistent behavior
Authors: Gallego Juan A. , Perich Matthew G. , Chowdhury Raeed H. , Solla Sara A. , Miller Lee E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAnimals readily execute learned motor behaviors in a consistent manner over long periods of time, yet similarly stable neural correlates remained elusive up to now. How does the cortex achieve this stable control? Using the sensorimotor system as a model of cortical processing, we investigated the hypothesis that the dynamics of neural latent activity, which capture the dominant co-variation patterns within the neural population, are preserved across time. We recorded from populations of neurons in premotor, primary motor, and somatosensory cortices for up to two years as monkeys performed a reaching task. Intriguingly, despite steady turnover in the recorded neurons, the low-dimensional latent dynamics remained stable. Such stability allowed reliable decoding of behavioral features for the entire timespan, while fixed decoders based on the recorded neural activity degraded substantially. We posit that latent cortical dynamics within the manifold are the fundamental and stable building blocks underlying consistent behavioral execution.
Putting species back on the map: devising a robust method for quantifying the biodiversity impacts of land conversion
Authors: Durán América P. , Green Jonathan M.H. , West Christopher D. , Visconti Piero , Burgess Neil D. , Virah-Sawmy Malika , Balmford Andrew 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTAimQuantifying connections between the global drivers of habitat loss and biodiversity impact is vital for decision-makers promoting responsible land-use. To that end, biodiversity impact metrics should be able to report linked trends in specific anthropogenic activities and changes in biodiversity state. However, for biodiversity, it is challenging to deliver integrated information on its multiple dimensions (i.e. species richness, endemicity) and keep it practical. Here, we developed a biodiversity footprint indicator that can i) capture the status of different species groups, ii) link biodiversity impact to specific human activities, and iii) be adapted to the most applicable scale for the decision context.LocationCerrado Biome, BrazilMethodsWe illustrate this globally-applicable approach for the case of soybean expansion in the Brazilian Cerrado. Using species-specific habitat suitability models, we assessed the impact of soy expansion and other land uses over 2,000 species of amphibians, birds, mammals and plants for three time periods between 2000 and 2014.ResultsOverall, plants suffered the greatest reduction of suitable habitat. However, among endemic and near-endemic species – which face greatest risk of global extinction from habitat conversion in the Cerrado - birds were the most affected group. While planted pastures and cropland expansion were together responsible for most of the absolute biodiversity footprint, soy expansion via direct conversion of natural vegetation had the greatest impact per unit area. The total biodiversity footprint over the period was concentrated in the southern states of Minas Geráis, Goiás and Mato Grosso, but the soy footprint was proportionally higher in those northern states (such as Bahía and Piauí) which belong to the new agricultural frontier.Main conclusionsThe ability and flexibility of our approach to examine linkages between biodiversity loss and specific human activities has substantial potential to better characterise the pathways by which habitat loss drivers operate.
Flow field and acoustics characteristics of elliptical jet
Authors: Manigandan S. , K. Vijayaraja 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the results of mixing promotion and screech frequency of controlled elliptical supersonic jet.

Design/methodology/approach
Flow field characteristics of low-aspect-ratio elliptical jets are examined at over-expanded, under-expanded and correctly expanded conditions. The tabs are placed at elliptical jet exit along the major and minor axes.

Findings
The results show that the mixing done by the minor axis is superior to the tabs along major axis. At all pressure ratios, the content of jet noise and the frequency are high for the tabs along the major axis because of increase in the amplitude of screech frequency. Further the tabs along minor axis show a dominance of large-scale vertical structures. In under-expanded conditions, the shock cell shows the rapid change because of the presence of tabs. The tabs along minor axis are making the shock weaker, hence no evidence of axis switching.

Practical implications
To achieve the greater performance of jet, the authors need to reduce the potential core length of the issuing jet. This can be achieved by implementing different types of tabs at the exit of the nozzle.

Originality/value
The present paper represents the flow of controlled jet using inverted triangular tabs. By achieving the controlled jet flow, the performance of propulsion systems can be improved. This can be used in systems such as combustion chamber, missile’s noise reduction and thrust vector control.
Extending consumer ethnocentrism theory: the moderating effect test
Authors: Yen Yung-Shen 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
While the idea that consumer ethnocentrism influences the willingness to buy domestic products is a well-known assumption for marketers, the purpose of this paper is to examine the moderating effect of consumer ethnocentrism on the willingness to buy domestic products in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach
Hierarchical moderator regression analysis and simple slope analysis are used to test the postulated hypotheses, and 385 consumers in Taiwan are studied.

Findings
The findings revealed that consumer ethnocentrism, perceived quality, perceived price and perceived brand image are significantly associated with the willingness to buy domestic products. Moreover, consumer ethnocentrism significantly moderates the relationships of the model.

Research limitations/implications
Consumer ethnocentrism increases the positive effects of perceived quality and perceived brand image on the willingness to buy domestic products in developing countries, whereas it may increase the negative effect of perceived price on the willingness to buy domestic products.

Practical implications
The results of this study suggest that practitioners should not only improve the quality and brand image of domestic products but also avoid putting a high price on domestic products to increase the willingness to buy domestic products for consumers in developing countries.

Originality/value
This study advances the consumer ethnocentrism theory by adding the moderating effect of consumer ethnocentrism to the model.
The power of spirituality
Authors: Saleem Muhammad Abid , Eagle Lynne , Yaseen Asif , Low David 
Published: October 2018

PurposeIn the wake of growing environmental issues, active public and corporate interventions are inevitable to reduce the negative impact of human activities on global environments. Building on the Norm Activation Model and Value-Belief-Norm Theory, the purpose of this paper is to report on research exploring consumers’ eco-socially conscious behaviours related to the choice and use of personal cars in a developing country, Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachTo test a moderated-mediation model of environmental values, perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE), spirituality and eco-socially conscious consumer behaviours (ESCCBs), data were collected from 447 customers of three automobile manufacturing firms from eight different cities of Pakistan. The data collection was undertaken by using a self-administered questionnaire based on key themes in the literature.FindingsAnalysis of the data revealed that altruistic and egoistic values were negatively while biospheric values were positively associated with eco-ESCCB. PCE mediated all the relationships and spirituality moderated the mediated paths.Originality/valueAlthough there are several models that explain purchase and use of personal cars in isolation or in conjunction with other general pro-environmental behaviours, an explanation of the eco-social aspects of purchase and use of personal cars in one theoretical model is rare to find. Second, among the many theoretical predictors and intervening factors explaining several pro-environmental behaviours, some culture-specific factors have been ignored – spirituality being one of them. This study contributes to the body of knowledge related to pro-environmental behaviours by conceptualising and testing the impact of spirituality in a moderated-mediation model.
Unmanned aerial system applications in construction: a systematic review
Authors: Zhou Shi , Gheisari Masoud 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
Over the past decade, researchers have used unmanned aerial systems (UASs) in construction industry for various applications from site inspection to safety monitoring or building maintenance. This paper aims to assort academic studies on construction UAS applications, summarize logics behind using UAS in each application and extend understanding of current state of UAS research in the construction setting.

Design/methodology/approach
This research follows a systematic literature assessment methodology to summarize the results of 54 research papers over the past ten years and outlines the research trends for applying UASs in construction.

Findings
UASs are used in building inspection, damage assessment, site surveying, safety inspection, progress monitoring, building maintenance and other construction applications. Cost saving, time efficiency and improved accessibility are the primary reasons for choosing UAS in construction applications. Rotary-wing UASs are the most common types of UASs being used in construction. Cameras, LiDAR and Kinect are the most common onboard sensors integrated in construction UAS applications. The control styles used are manual, semi-autonomous and autonomous.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to classification of UAS applications in construction research and identification of UAS hardware and sensor types as well as their flying control systems in construction literature.
Understanding the foundations of global competitive advantage of nations
Authors: Farinha Luis , Nunes Sara , Ferreira João J. , Fernandes António 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
This paper focuses on the issue of global competitive advantage of nations, based on the dimensions analyzed by the World Economic Forum in assessing the economic competitiveness of a large sample of countries. From the different stages of development of the countries, this study aims to help us to recognize what variables better explain the global competitive advantage of economies.

Design/methodology/approach
Following quantitative analysis, results based on PLS show what dimensions within each economic development stage best explain the global competitive advantage of economies.

Findings
Beyond the institutions, infrastructure and regulation of the markets, higher education and training, the technological readiness, the business sophistication and innovation contribute greatly to explain the competitive advantage of economies.

Originality/value
Understanding the drivers of global competitive advantage of nations, this study may help academics to conduct new studies, as well as politicians to define intervention priorities.
Well-flow behavior of reorientation fracture considering permeability anisotropy
Authors: Tian Xiaoming , Dong Pingchuan 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
In petroleum industry, hydraulic fracturing is essential to enhance oil productivity. The hydraulic fractures are usually generated in the process of hydraulic fracturing. Although some mathematical models were proposed to analyze the well-flow behavior of conventional fracture, there are few models to depict unconventional fracture like reorientation fracture. To figure out the effect of reorientation fracture on production enhancement and guide the further on-site operating, this paper aims to investigate the well-flow behavior of vertical reorientation fracture in horizontal permeability anisotropic reservoir.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the governing equation considering horizontal permeability anisotropy, the mathematical models for reorientation fractures in infinite reservoir are developed by using the principle of superposition. Furthermore, a rectangular closed drainage area is also considered to investigate the well-flow behavior of reorientation fracture, and the mathematical models are developed by using Green’s and source functions.

Findings
Computational results indicate that the flux distribution of infinite conductivity fracture is uniform at very early times. After a period, it will stabilize eventually. High permeability anisotropy and small inclination angle of reorientation will cause significant end point effect in the infinite conductivity fracture. The reorientation fractures with small inclination angle in high anisotropic reservoir are capable of improving 1-1.5 times more oil productivity in total.

Originality/value
This paper develops the mathematical methods to study the well-flow behavior for unconventional fracture, especially for reorientation fracture. The results validate the production enhancement effect of reorientation fracture and identify the sensitive parameters of productivity.
Antecedents and consequences of perceived customer value in the restaurant industry
Authors: Thielemann Vincent M. , Ottenbacher Michael C. , Harrington Robert James 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the antecedents of perceived customer value, such as the perceived quality and perceived sacrifices, and the effects on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty (CL) in the restaurant industry.Design/methodology/approachBased on an extensive literature review, a research model and questionnaire were designed. To assess the hypothesised relationships, data were collected in a field survey. Partial least squares regression (a variance-based regression analysis of SEM) was selected to analyse the relationships within the research model.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate that the perceived monetary sacrifice (PMS) and perceived service quality were found to be antecedents of perceived value (PV), whereas PMS was the major precursor of PV. Further, PV was found to have a substantial influence on customer satisfaction and CL.Originality/valueThe study provides a better understanding of the price–value–satisfaction–loyalty relationships in the restaurant context in a more holistic sense and recommendations to move this research stream forward.
Understanding millennial perceptions of human and nonhuman brands
Authors: ul Haq Junaid , Bonn Mark A. 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to obtain perceptions from three distinct millennial segments about human and nonhuman brands related to travel. Specifically, inter and intra relationships between human and nonhuman brand credibility and equity constructs were investigated.Design/methodology/approachThree millennial generational segments representing 571 respondents familiar with human and nonhuman brands, were investigated to explore their human and nonhuman brand credibility and equity perceptual issues. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the study hypotheses. Multi-group analysis was used to observe group differences.FindingsSelected millennial segments were found to have differences in their behavior pertaining to human and nonhuman brand constructs. All hypotheses of the overall model were accepted. For group differences, a significant difference was observed. Gen Z was found to be different in emulating humans and their linked nonhuman brands when compared to both younger and older Gen Y segments.Research limitations/implicationsStudy findings contribute to the marketing and tourism branding literature, as do findings related to generational differences.Practical implicationsThe authors suggested implications for hospitality and tourism marketing professionals under the headings of emotional attachment, entertaining content, use of social media and exploring brands online. Implications including multicultural, brands with strong values and engaging with brands can be helpful for hospitality managers in attracting millennials.Social implicationsSocial implications suggest behavioral differences related to three sub-groups of generational cohorts involving millennials.Originality/valueThis is the first study dedicated to observing millennial perceptions for human and nonhuman brands.
Energy planning and sustainable development of Pakistan
Authors: Hayat Farah , Khan Abid Ali , Ashraf Muhammad Arif 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
Analysis of relationship between energy and growth offers the sustainable energy pathway for a country’s sustainable economic development. This study aims to focus on the evaluation of the Pakistan’s energy system using long-run energy alternative planning (LEAP) modeling framework through different growth scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach
Principal component analysis has been adopted for indicators index formation. Study period of 1980 to 2030 is covered by forward and backward simulations in LEAP software.

Findings
The study reveals that current energy policy does not have the potential to lead the country toward a desired goal of economic sustainability.

Research limitations/implications
In falling off scenario, negative growth rate (-5 per cent) assumption is also debatable; LEAP shows an error in the analysis and takes the last positive available value for any further analysis as a default. This case could have been simply omitted from results but for research contribution, the computations for this case are also reported.

Practical implications
Long-range energy alternative planning model has been applied to answer the corresponding question for simulation period of 1980 to 2030 to better compare the past trend and future expectations. Critical analysis of four selected scenarios (BAU, moderate, advanced and falling off) indicate that energy policy of Pakistan is poorly managed to maintain energy system’s effectiveness.

Social implications
As far as statistical difference is concerned, early years have more fluctuation; however, from 2009, curve flattens for energy consumption and energy demand. The increasing demand of energy impacts the society and hence disturbs all sectors.

Originality/value
Policymakers have been so dragged off from the main route to sustainability, despite all odds there is a huge unexplored potential in the country for use to move in step with the world for a better tomorrow. The study educates the policymakers to comprehend the future energy scenarios and make rational decisions based on the study outcomes.
Addressing obesity in Roma communities: a community readiness approach
Authors: Islam Shahid , Small Neil , Bryant Maria , Yang Tiffany , Cronin de Chavez Anna , Saville Fiona , Dickerson Josie 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
Participation in community programmes by the Roma community is low, whilst this community presents with high risk of poor health and low levels of wellbeing. To improve rates of participation in programmes, compatibility must be achieved between implementation efforts and levels of readiness in the community. The Community Readiness Model (CRM) is a widely used toolkit which provides an indication of how prepared and willing a community is to take action on specific issues. The purpose of this paper is to present findings from a CRM assessment for the Eastern European Roma community in Bradford, UK, on issues related to nutrition and obesity.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors interviewed key respondents identified as knowledgeable about the Roma community using the CRM. This approach applies a mixed methodology incorporating readiness scores and qualitative data. A mean community readiness score was calculated enabling researchers to place the community in one of nine possible stages of readiness. Interview transcripts were analysed using a qualitative framework analysis to generate the contextual information.

Findings
An overall score consistent with vague awareness was achieved, which indicates a low level of community readiness. This score suggests that there will be a low likelihood of participation in currently available nutrition and obesity programmes.

Originality/value
To our knowledge, this is the first study to apply the CRM in the Roma community for any issue. The authors present the findings for each of the six dimensions that make up the CRM together with salient qualitative findings.