bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A pleiotropic role for FGF signaling in mammary gland stromal fibroblasts
Authors: Koledova Zuzana , Sumbal Jakub 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is crucial for mammary gland development. While multiple roles for FGF signaling in the epithelium were described, the function of FGF signaling in mammary stroma has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated FGF signaling in mammary fibroblasts. We found that mammary fibroblasts express FGF receptors 1 and 2 and respond to FGF ligands. In particular, FGF2 and FGF9 induce sustained ERK1/2 signaling and promote fibroblast proliferation and migration in 2D. Intriguingly, only FGF2 induces fibroblast migration in 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) through regulation of actomyosin cytoskeleton and promotes force-mediated collagen remodeling by mammary fibroblasts. Moreover, FGF2 regulates production of ECM proteins by mammary fibroblasts, including collagens, fibronectin, osteopontin, and matrix metalloproteinases. Finally, we show that FGF2 signaling in mammary fibroblasts enhances fibroblast-induced branching of mammary epithelium. Our results demonstrate a pleiotropic role for FGF signaling in mammary fibroblasts with implications for regulation of mammary stromal functions and epithelial branching morphogenesis.Summary statementFGF signaling in mammary fibroblasts regulates fibroblast proliferation, migration, extracellular matrix production and remodeling, and fibroblast-mediated mammary epithelial branching morphogenesis.
Readability and word complexity of SERPs snippets and web pages on children’s search queries
Authors: Bilal Dania , Huang Li-Min 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the readability and level of word complexity of search engine results pages (SERPs) snippets and associated web pages between Google and Bing.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors employed the Readability Test Tool to analyze the readability and word complexity of 3,000 SERPs snippets and 3,000 associated pages in Google and Bing retrieved on 150 search queries issued by middle school children.

Findings
A significant difference was found in the readability of SERPs snippets and associated web pages between Google and Bing. A significant difference was also observed in the number of complex words in snippets between the two engines but not in associated web pages. At the engine level, the readability of Google and Bing snippets was significantly higher than associated web pages. The readability of Google SERPs snippets was at a much higher level than those of Bing. The readability of snippets in both engines mismatched with the reading comprehension of children in grades 6–8.

Research limitations/implications
The data corpus may be small. Analysis relied on quantitative measures.

Practical implications
Practitioners and other mediators should mitigate the readability issue in SERPs snippets. Researchers should consider text readability and word complexity simultaneously with other factors to obtain the nuanced understanding of young users’ web information behaviors. Additional theoretical and methodological implications are discussed.

Originality/value
This study measured the readability and the level of word complexity embedded in SERPs snippets and compared them to respective web pages in Google and Bing. Findings provide further evidence of the readability issue of SERPs snippets and the need to solve this issue through system design improvements.
Suitability of public-private-partnership procurement method for road projects in Sri Lanka
Authors: Dabarera G.K.M. , Perera B.A.K.S. , Rodrigo M.N.N. 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
Governments of many developing countries that are unable to develop their infrastructure in order to obtain financial resources prefer to establish public–private partnerships (PPPs) for providing the much-required infrastructure. Time is thus opportune for Sri Lanka, which is also a developing country, to make use of PPPs to develop its road network. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to identify the PPP models that suit road construction in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach
The study used a mixed approach. The characteristics of road construction, procurement selection factors to be considered in road construction, and the different PPP models that can be used for such procurements were identified through a comprehensive literature synthesis. The findings were validated using expert interviews. A questionnaire survey identified the PPP models that suit road construction in Sri Lanka. The most suitable model among them was identified by ranking the PPP models using procurement selection factors.

Findings
Build–Own–Operate–Transfer was identified as the PPP model that best suits road construction in Sri Lanka. However, investors may not find it attractive because of its high payback period, a result of the low traffic volume in Sri Lanka. Therefore, a PPP model that involves road construction alone will not be feasible in Sri Lanka. It will have to include the construction of other infrastructure as well.

Originality/value
The study identifies a PPP model that best suits the road construction projects in Sri Lanka.
Third-party underwriting and its effects on credit spreads and earnings management
Authors: Lyu Huaili , Yang Conghui 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the certification and monitoring motivations of third-party underwriting and its effects on credit spreads and earnings management of bank issuers.

Design/methodology/approach
Ordinary least squares is used to examine the certification and monitoring effects of third-party underwriting. Furthermore, the Heckman two-stage estimation method is used in controlling the endogeneity of sample selection.

Findings
The authors find that financial bonds underwritten by third-party underwriters bear lower credit spreads due to their credibly ex ante certification and effectively ex post monitoring compared with self-underwriting. Moreover, the certification of third-party underwriters can help to select good quality bond issuers with lower earnings management, and the monitoring function also plays an essential role in constraining the behavior of earnings management after the bond issues.

Research limitations/implications
The findings in this study suggest that underwriting types (third-party underwriting) will affect financial bond yields and bank issuers’ earnings management.

Practical implications
On the one hand, the authors should encourage third-party underwriters to actively promote the certification and monitoring functions. For example, given commercial banks the chance to be underwriters when the bond issuers are investment banks, which is not allowed now in China’s financial bond market. On the other hand, the authors should cut off the quid pro quo relations within third-party underwriting because such relations will reduce the certification and monitoring effects of third-party underwriters.

Originality/value
This is the first study to distinguish the certification and monitoring effects by using unique data from China’s financial bond market. And the authors further investigate the adverse effects of quid pro quo relations (hiring each other as lead underwriters) on the certification and monitoring effects of third-party underwriters.
An evidence-based urban DRR strategy for informal settlements
Authors: Sarmiento Juan Pablo , Polak Suzanne , Sandoval Vicente 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the evidence-based research strategy (EBRS) used to evaluate eight projects that applied the neighborhood approach for disaster risk reduction (NA-DRR) in informal urban settlements in Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica and Peru, between 2012 and 2017.

Design/methodology/approach
The study covers the first five of the seven EBRS stages: first, identify relevant interventions; second, prepare evaluation questions; third, select evidence sources and implement a search strategy; fourth, appraise evidences and identify gaps; fifth, create an evaluation design to include an extensive literature review, followed by a mixed research method with surveys, focus groups and interviews; disaster risk modeling; georeferencing analysis; and engineering inspections. The last two stages: sixth, apply the evidence, and seventh, evaluate the evidence application, will be addressed in a near future.

Findings
Even though the reference to “evidence” is frequent in the DRR field, it is largely based on descriptive processes, anecdotal references, best practices, lessons learned and case studies, and particularly deficient on the subject of informal and precariousness settlements. The evaluation allowed a deep and broad analysis of NA-DRR in urban informal settlements, comparing it with other DRR strategies implemented by different stakeholders in fragile urban settings, assessing the effectiveness and sustainability of the various DRR interventions.

Originality/value
The abundant data, information and knowledge generated will serve as foundation for forthcoming thematic peer-reviewed publications informing evidence-based DRR research, policy and practice, with emphasis on informal and precariousness settlements in particular.
Appraisal of fire safety interventions and strategies for informal settlements in South Africa
Authors: Walls Richard Shaun , Eksteen Rodney , Kahanji Charles , Cicione Antonio 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
Informal settlements are inherently unstructured in nature, lack adequate services, regularly have high population densities and can experience social problems. Thus, fires can easily propagate rapidly through such areas, leaving thousands homeless in a single fire. The purpose of this paper is to present an appraisal of various interventions and strategies to improve fire safety in informal settlements in South Africa (globally, similar settlements are known as slums, ghettos, favelas, shantytowns, etc.), considering aspects of both technical suitability and social suitability.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper focusses on three specific aspects: ignition risk management, active fire protection interventions and passive fire protection interventions. These are presented within a framework to outline how they may mitigate the impact of fires.

Findings
Often “solutions” proposed to improve fire safety either lack a sound engineering basis, thus becoming technically inefficient, or do not consider social circumstances and community responses in settlements, thereby becoming practically, socially or economically unsuitable. It must be understood that there is no “quick fix” to this significant problem, but rather a combination of interventions can improve fire safety in general. A broad understanding of the various options available is essential when addressing this problem, which this paper seeks to provide.

Practical implications
This paper seeks to provide an overview to guide policymakers and organisations by illustrating both the advantages/benefits and disadvantages/challenges of the interventions and strategies currently being rolled out, as well as potential alternatives.

Originality/value
A broad but succinct appraisal is provided that gives insight and direction for improving fire safety in informal settlements. It is hoped that the challenges associated with the fire safety interventions discussed can be addressed and improved over time.
Digitalization, BIM ecosystem, and the future of built environment
Authors: Singh Vishal 
Published: March 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to conduct a critical analysis of the commonly projected visions on the future of built environment, focusing on transformative research. The primary question is will the construction sector be able to make the projected transformative leap even if the history of technology adoption in construction suggests otherwise? And, what role can academic research play?Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on a reflective research and qualitative review of academic articles, white papers and reported projections for the future of construction. The reflections are based on discussions with colleagues and students, including thought experiments.FindingsThere is a general agreement across various sources about the key technical and social drivers for the future of construction. However, these projections seem to be emanating from industry insiders, and more diversity and creativity is needed in exploring alternative possibilities.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper should be useful for researchers in assessing their research strategy, especially those aiming to focus on the future of construction and transformative research. The findings of this paper suggest the need for collaboration and explorations with diverse disciplines, including those that may not appear immediately connected to digital construction.Practical implicationsThe paper should be useful for individuals and organizations, especially start-ups that are seeking novel opportunities to disrupt the future of construction.Originality/valueThe originality and value of this research lies in a timely critique of the commonly projected trends in the future of digital construction. The use of reflective research and thought experiments emphasizes the need for divergent thinking and creative research methods in construction research.
GreenGo’s new strategy in the carsharing market of Budapest
Authors: Bakonyi Zoltan , Gyurity Erik , Horvath Adam 
Published: March 2019

Learning outcomes
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how a business idea can be successful in the long run in a rapidly changing environment. Students could learn about the carsharing market and the world of start-ups. During the lesson, students could practice business modelling based on “Value proposition Canvas”. With this model, they can understand the real needs of the customers and the services, with which companies can provide gains for the clients and decrease users’ pain. Beside business modelling, the case provides the opportunity to learn about the concept of First Mover Advantage, which describes the possible advantages of being first on a market. Three different sources can provide first mover advantage: technological leadership; pre-emption of scarce assets; and customer loyalty. Start-ups should systematically think about acquiring some of the above to sustain their advantage.

Case overview/synopsis
This case is about a carsharing start-up GreenGo, which was the first company introducing the concept of carsharing in Hungary. GreenGo was founded in November 2016 in Budapest. Until today, it has approximately 170 cars and could establish a solid customer base with 6,000 subscribers. After one year of monopoly, GreenGo got a competitor, when MOL (one of the largest companies of the Central European region) entered the market with its new carsharing service: MOL Limo (Limitless Mobility). MOL Limo is using the same business model and marketing mix as GreenGo and started to operate with 300 cars. The case describes the urban transportation of Budapest, the business model and value proposition of GreenGo and MOL Limo in depth. It also presents some possible options for GreenGo to react to the new market situation.

Complexity academic level
Master in management, MBA.

Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code
CSS: Strategy, Case study organisation: GreenGo.
Work–life balance among working university students in Ghana
Authors: Tetteh Edward Nartey , Attiogbe Esther Julia Korkor 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how working university students in Ghana are able to combine work and study, and the effect of this on their academic performance.

Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory survey method is used to collect data from 360 working students randomly selected from four universities in Accra, Ghana. The study employs the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r2) to test two hypotheses and both are affirmed by the results.

Findings
It is found that combining schooling with work results in less time for studies which negatively affects academic performance. Again, difficulty in finding time for studies due to work requirements ranks the highest, and finally, students receive slightly better support from their academic institutions than from their employers.

Research limitations/implications
The study focussed only on perspectives from working students in Ghana. The dimension of employers and officials of academic institutions was not investigated.

Practical implications
The findings imply that to achieve sustainable development in the tertiary education sector and even in industry, all stakeholders – universities, policymakers, employers, students, etc. – must find practical ways to assist these students to combine work and study.

Originality/value
The study bridges the empirical gap of this critical phenomenon in the Ghanaian context. It will inform government and corporate policy on higher-level skill development among the workforce, and also tertiary institutions on how to address the needs of the critical mass of working students.
Workplace mentoring of degree apprentices: developing principles for practice
Authors: Roberts Amanda , Storm Marion , Flynn Sarah 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on developing a deep understanding of the nature and impact of the workplace mentor role in degree apprenticeships (DAs). It investigates a theoretical model of DA workplace mentoring activity, with findings used to develop a set of principles for supporting the development of effective mentoring practice.

Design/methodology/approach
Data underpinning this paper were collected as part of the monitoring and evaluation of the first year of a Chartered Manager DA programme at a post-1992 university. Workplace mentors and mentees were interviewed to explore their experience of mentoring within this programme.

Findings
This study found there to be many positive benefits of workplace mentoring for apprentices, their mentors and the organisation. This understanding can be used to support the development of principles for effective mentoring practice.

Research limitations/implications
The data support the validity of the proposed model for DA workplace mentoring activity. In order to become a helpful guide to mentors’ planning of areas of support, the model may need to be refined to show the relative importance given to each activity area. The findings of this small-scale study need now to be extended through work with a larger sample.

Practical implications
The set of principles offered will be valuable to workplace mentors of degree apprentices across organisational sectors to ensure the quality of delivery and outcomes.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to an understanding of the impact of mentoring as a social practice on mentor and apprentice development. Such an understanding has the potential to positively influence the quality of delivery, mentoring practice and thus apprentices’ learning.
Some twins are not alike: FDI premia in the former Soviet states
Authors: Gattai Valeria , Mechelli Rajssa , Natale Piergiovanna 
Published: March 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to estimate foreign direct investment (FDI) premia in the former Soviet states.Design/methodology/approachThe authors follow an empirical approach. Using Orbis data for a sample of more than 3,000 companies, the authors characterize FDI involvement and FDI premia of firms from three distinctive groups of former Soviet states, designated “upper-middle”-income, “lower-middle”-income and “high”-income countries. This yields interesting within-group and between-group results on the effects of outward FDI (OFDI) and inward FDI (IFDI) on firm-level innovation.FindingsThe authors unveil new facts about innovation and FDI in the former Soviet states. FDI firms innovate more than non-FDI firms and OFDI firms innovate more than IFDI firms. The innovation effect of OFDI is the largest for firms from the “lower-middle” countries, followed by the “high” and “upper-middle” countries. The innovation effect of IFDI is the largest for firms from the “lower-middle” countries, followed by the “upper-middle” and “high” countries. FDI to and from Europe has the largest impact on innovation; this holds across country groups.Research limitations/implicationsThe estimates of this paper document robust FDI premia, i.e., a positive and significant correlation between firm-level innovation and FDI. However, the cross-sectional nature of the data does not permit a proper causality analysis.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the literature on FDI premia by: considering IFDI and OFDI in a unified empirical framework; dissecting IFDI and OFDI by location; measuring firm-level productivity in terms of innovation; and providing cross-country comparable evidence on both emerging and advanced economies. At the same time, the paper contributes to the literature on FDI from emerging economies by: taking a firm-level quantitative approach; focusing on a relatively unexplored set of countries; and providing comparable cross-country evidence on both emerging and advanced economies.
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in prisons: a prevalence study
Authors: Kose Sukran , Adar Pelin , Gozaydin Ayhan , Kuzucu Lutfiye , Akkoclu Gulgun 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
Prisons, which are hazardous places for various contagious diseases, carry additional risks for HBV and HCV because of the communal lifestyle (common use of tools like razor blades, tattoo applications, intravenous drug use and homosexual intercourse). The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV, and also provide information for prisoners in this respect.

Design/methodology/approach
This study included 180 prisoners from the Buca F-Type Closed Prison, and 180 prisoners from the Foça Open Prison in Turkey. After the training seminars, serum levels of HBsAg, anti HBs, anti HBc total and anti HCV in the prisoners were assessed using the MICROELISA method.

Findings
All the prisoners were male. The mean age was 40(21–73) years. According to the results of 360 prisoners from both prisons, 17 (4.7 percent) prisoners were HBsAg positive and were diagnosed as HBV. Isolated anti HBs was positive in 33 (9.1 percent) prisoners who had been previously vaccinated. In 25 (6.9 percent) prisoners isolated Anti HBc total was positive, and in 61 (16.9 percent) prisoners both Anti HBs and Anti HBc total was positive in those who were considered to be recovered from the HBV. Anti HCV was positive in 2 (0.5 percent) prisoners; the process was repeated twice, and found to be repeatedly positive. Coinfection of HBV and HCV was not detected.

Research limitations/implications
In this study, the prevalence of HBV and HCV was determined to be similar to those in the normal population. However, it is not expedient to generalize this result and apply it to all prisons. For the sake of public health, prisons should be scanned for infectious diseases, and vaccinations must be applied as necessary, in order to provide protection.

Originality/value
It is a study to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV in the prisoner population, which constitute one of the risk groups because of the communal lifestyle (common use of some tools such as the razor blade, tattoo applications, intravenous drug use and homosexual intercourse), and to compare the results with other groups in Turkey and globally.