bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In silico stress fibre content affects peak strain in cytoplasm and nucleus but not in the membrane for uniaxial substrate stretch
Authors: Abdalrahman Tamer , Davies Neil H. , Franz Thomas 
Published: September 2019

AbstractExisting in silico models for single cell mechanics feature limited representations of cytoskeletal structures that contribute substantially to the mechanics of a cell. We propose a micromechanical hierarchical approach to capture the mechanical contribution of actin stress fibres. For a cell-specific fibroblast geometry with membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus, the Mori-Tanaka homogenization method was employed to describe cytoplasmic inhomogeneities and constitutive contribution of actin stress fibres. The homogenization was implemented in a finite element model of the fibroblast attached to a substrate through focal adhesions. Strain in cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus due to uniaxial substrate stretch was assessed for different stress fibre volume fractions and different elastic modulus of the substrate. A considerable decrease of the peak strain with increasing stress fibre content was observed in cytoplasm and nucleus but not the membrane, whereas the peak strain in cytoplasm, nucleus and membrane increased for increasing elastic modulus of the substrate.
Checkpoint regulation of nuclear Tos4 defines S phase arrest in fission yeast
Authors: Kim Seong M. , Tripathi Vishnu P. , Shen Kuo-Fang , Forsburg Susan L. 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTFrom yeast to humans, the cell cycle is tightly controlled by regulatory networks that regulate cell proliferation and can be monitored by dynamic visual markers in living cells. We have observed S phase progression by monitoring nuclear accumulation of the FHA-containing DNA binding protein Tos4, which is expressed in the G1/S phase transition. We use Tos4 localization to distinguish three classes of DNA replication mutants: those that arrest with an apparent 1C DNA content and accumulate Tos4 at the restrictive temperature; those that arrest with an apparent 2C DNA content, that do not accumulate Tos4; and those that proceed into mitosis despite a 1C DNA content, again without Tos4 accumulation. Our data indicate that Tos4 localization in these conditions is responsive to checkpoint kinases, with activation of the Cds1 checkpoint kinase promoting Tos4 retention in the nucleus, and activation of the Chk1 damage checkpoint promoting its turnover. Tos4 localization therefore allows us to monitor checkpoint-dependent activation that responds to replication failure in early versus late S phase.
Loss of Nance-Horan Syndrome b (nhsb) prevents expansion growth of retinal progenitor cells by selective up-regulation of Δ113p53
Authors: Vorster Paul J. , Ojumu John , Dickinson Amanda J. G. , Walsh Gregory S. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe regulation of cell cycle progression and differentiation in retinal progenitor cells is a fundamental feature controlling organ size of the eye in vertebrates. Nance-Horan Syndrome (NHS) is a rare X-linked disorder caused by mutations in the NHS gene. Dysmorphic features of NHS include severe congenital cataracts, micropthalmia, facial dysmorphisms, and visual impairment. In this study we report an evolutionarily conserved role for NHS in vertebrate retinogenesis. Loss of function of nhs leads to small eye size in both zebrafish and Xenopus tropicalis, marked by reduced proliferation but not cell death. Transcriptome analysis of nhs morphant zebrafish eyes revealed a marked upregulation in Δ113p53, an isoform of p53, concomitant with a selective upregulation of p53 responsive genes that inhibit cell cycle progression but not apoptosis. Our data supports a model where Nhs is a negative regulator of Δ113p53 expression and exerts its function through regulation of the p53 pathway to promote expansive growth of retinal progenitor cells prior to differentiation.
The proton pump inhibitor omeprazole does not promote Clostridioides difficile colonization in a murine model
Authors: Tomkovich Sarah , Lesniak Nicholas A. , Li Yuan , Bishop Lucas , Fitzgerald Madison J. , Schloss Patrick D. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractProton pump inhibitor (PPI) use has been associated with microbiota alterations and susceptibility to Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) in humans. We assessed how PPI treatment alters the fecal microbiota and whether treatment promotes CDIs in a mouse model. Mice receiving a PPI treatment were gavaged with 40 mg/kg of omeprazole during a 7-day pretreatment phase, the day of C. difficile challenge, and the following 9 days. We found that mice treated with omeprazole were not colonized by C. difficile. When omeprazole treatment was combined with a single clindamycin treatment, one cage of mice remained resistant to C. difficile colonization, while the other cage was colonized. Treating mice with only clindamycin followed by challenge resulted in C. difficile colonization. 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed that omeprazole had minimal impact on the structure of the murine microbiota throughout the 16 days of omeprazole exposure. These results suggest omeprazole treatment alone is not sufficient to disrupt microbiota resistance to C. difficile infection in mice that are normally resistant in the absence of antibiotic treatment.
Customer loyalty in the fast food restaurants of Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Mohammed Belal 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing the satisfaction of customer and customer loyalty in the fast food restaurant industry. A theoretical model, including hypotheses, has been proposed in this study.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were assembled using convenient sampling method. The hypothesized model was verified with the data from 204 respondents. Principal component analysis and structural equation modeling approach were applied to analyze data.

Findings
The results (significant at p<0.01 and p<0.05) exhibited that food quality, price and service quality were positively linked to customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction was positively associated with customer loyalty. The empirical results found a contrary association between the location and environment of restaurant and customer satisfaction.

Practical implications
The managers and owners of fast food restaurants may use the results of this study to confirm customer satisfaction and loyalty of the customer. With loyal customer groups, their businesses can be sustained and gradually grown up.

Originality/value
This study will provide guidelines for the management of fast food restaurants to formulate their business strategies in the competitive market. It will give a signal to the managers to stay focused on customer relationship management as the ultimate goal of the business.
Vertical price transmission in the Nigerian cowpea market
Authors: Wu Wenchao , Chien Hsiaoping , Sakurai Takeshi , Muranaka Satoru 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the asymmetry of vertical price transmission (i.e. from the wholesale to the retail market) in the Nigerian cowpea market and identify its causes.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors surveyed 19 markets in Kano and Ibadan from 2012 to 2015. The autoregressive distributed lag model and asymmetric error correction model were adopted to test the asymmetry of vertical price transmission.

Findings
Results suggest that price transmission in Kano is symmetric, but it is asymmetric in Ibadan. This distinction is caused by the differences in the market structure (in terms of competition level, inventory period and transaction cost) of these cities.

Originality/value
This is the first study to empirically investigate the vertical price transmission in two Nigerian cowpea markets. It is also the first to reveal the role of the market structure in price transmission through a comparison of two markets. The findings provide policy implications and will help create a more efficient food market in Nigeria.
Critical success factors for TQM implementation among manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Georgiev Svetoslav , Ohtaki Seiichi 
Published: September 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address a perennial question regarding the importance of soft total quality management (TQM) as part of the TQM implementation process – a topic that has been significantly understudied. Specifically, the authors address previous calls in the literature for stressing the soft aspects of TQM and for drawing a critical success factor (CSF) list that is formulated on the basis of empirical research instead of theory.Design/methodology/approachThis is a comparative qualitative case study of three manufacturing SMEs combining empirical data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a large variety of stakeholders – from top managers to shop-floor workers, site visits and observations.FindingsThe study identifies 12 soft CSFs, and while most of these factors have been well-documented in the literature (e.g. top management involvement and leadership), the authors show evidence for the existence of other soft constructs that have not been considered or have been given little importance previously (i.e. middle management involvement and support, reward and recognition, CSR focus).Research limitations/implicationsThe study fills two major gaps in the (T)QM literature. First, it enriches the understanding of TQM implementation among Japanese SMEs. Second, it addresses the importance of soft TQM as part of the TQM implementation process.Practical implicationsThis paper provides company owners and managers with valuable knowledge that may assist their organisations in the pursuit of business excellence including higher product quality and employee satisfaction.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first (international) study to investigate TQM implementation within the context of Japanese SMEs.
The conceptual difference really matters
Authors: Alipour Ali 
Published: September 2019

PurposeIn spite of the common label, uncertainty avoidance (UA) across Hofstede and GLOBE models has been found to be negatively correlated and capture distinct concepts. Nevertheless, the empirical research focusing on the impact of UA on a variety of constructs has strongly neglected this conceptual difference, assuming them equivalent constructs and using one as an alternative for the other, or merely applying one for reasons other than conceptual relevance. Challenging this taken-for-granted assumption, the purpose of this paper is to show that their conceptual difference matters by showing that their causal impact on a given construct is not consistent given their conceptual difference.Design/methodology/approachHypotheses are tested using hierarchical linear modeling analyses on firms from Compustat Global Database across 44 countries within the time span of 1990–2017.FindingsThe findings show that the causal effects of Hofstede UA index (UAI) and GLOBE UA society practices on the risk-taking behavior of firms are not consistent. Unlike Hofstede UAI, GLOBE UA (society practices) does not reduce the risk-taking behavior of firms.Originality/valueThis study is valuable in that it raises awareness on the conceptual differences between UA dimensions across Hofstede vs GLOBE and challenges one of the taken-for-granted assumptions in the empirical literature that the two are equivalent by empirically showing that their impacts on a given construct (i.e. the risk-taking behavior of firms) are not consistent.
Corporate responsibility for employees and service innovation performance in manufacturing transformation
Authors: Li Lan , Li Gang , Chan Shui F. 
Published: September 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine, within a context of manufacturing transformation, whether corporate responsibility for employees (CRE) promotes the service innovation performance (SIP) of the firm; whether this effect is mediated by employee innovative behavior (EIB), and how two control mechanisms (process-control (PC) and outcome-control mechanism) moderate the relationship.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on social exchange and control mechanism theory, this paper establishes a conceptual model and adopts a hierarchical regression analysis to examine the model with a sample of 110 manufacturing firms from China.FindingsThe study finds that CRE positively affects SIP. EIB mediates such effect. Output-control weakens the effect of CRE on EIB, and PC does not impact on the relationship.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that, facing tremendous pressure in manufacturing transformation, firms must be cautious in treating their employees. Given that EIB is crucial to improving the SIP, and in turn to meet the ever upgrading customer demands, firms ought to actively take responsibilities to protect employees’ interests, and cautiously adopt control mechanisms. Thus employees could be motivated to involve in service innovation actively. This effect not only benefits employees with a sustainable career but also help the firm survive in this tough transformation period.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first (if any) research that examining the impact of CRE on SIP and EIB. The findings are an extension of the existing research, and show the explanation potential of corporate social responsibility on EIB and SIP in a difficult time such as manufacturing transformation.
Developing engineering students’ willingness and ability to perform creative tasks
Authors: Pettersen Inger Beate , Åmo Bjørn Willy , van der Lingen Elma , Håvåg Voldsund Kari , Johnstad Bragelien Judit 
Published: September 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore creativity and how it changes over time among engineering students in practice-based entrepreneurship in higher education. This change was examined in students over a one-semester course in entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship courses that use creativity tools for practice-based learning are expected to develop creativity as a learning outcome. This study discusses the extent to which some learning outcomes are more easily developed than others.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a longitudinal design by applying a pre- and post-test survey. The student population consists of engineering students enrolled in an entrepreneurship course with practice-based learning involving creativity tools. The course includes team-based idea generation and business model development. To measure actual changes in students’ creativity, two measures were used to reflect different aspects.FindingsThe results show that students’ ability to perform creative tasks increased, while students’ willingness to engage in and their enjoyment of creative tasks decreased as a result of the course. Non-significant differences in changes were found between the two measures, but a difference was found in how the two measures changed during the course. In line with the research question, the results suggest that education may influence ability to a greater extent than willingness.Originality/valueThe research used two different creativity measures to explore the extent to which engineering students experienced a change in creativity over a one-semester entrepreneurship course. In this way, the research contributes to the discussion on what could be learnt and by what means.
Enhancing the wearablity and accessibility of illuminated POF garment
Authors: Bai Vera Ziqian , Tan Jeanne , Chen Amy , Ge Lan 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an illuminated polymeric optical fibre (POF) garment – the LUMI jacket – with accessibility and wearability improvements. This paper demonstrates how wearable technology can be seamlessly integrated into daily life.

Design/methodology/approach
An interdisciplinary approach involving design and technological techniques was adopted. Both garment design approaches and textile technologies were used to optimise the performance of a POF jacket. A group of tactile sensors was developed to create an easy-to-access interactive function. A POF fabric sample and garment were washed and examined to prove that a POF garment could be made part of a domestic laundry routine.

Findings
As a result, an illuminated POF garment – the LUMI jacket with textile-based switches – was created. Compared with current POF garments, the LUMI jacket’s wearability and accessibility were highly improved.

Originality/value
This project explored an unobstructive POF-illuminated garment to address the functional and wearable barriers to adoption. The interaction between wearer and garment is accessible. Electronics and textile touch sensors were seamlessly integrated into garment. Washability of POF garment was proved. This research explores how e-textiles can fit into everyday life.
A study on dynamic capabilities view of doctoral students’ research productivity
Authors: Muneeb Dilnaz , Tehseen Shehnaz , Saeed Kausar 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of dynamic capabilities (DC) along with operational capabilities such as network orientation, academics, social networking and perceived supervisory support (PSS), on the research productivity of doctoral students in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through an online quantitative survey from participants recruited via snowball and quota sampling. The conceptual model was developed and tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings
DC, network orientation and academic and social networking are shown to have a positive influence on the productivity levels of doctoral students in Malaysia and the UAE. However, the influence was found to be stronger in the Malaysian sample than in the UAE sample. The impact of PSS was not seen to be statistically significant in either sample.

Practical implications
The findings suggest that attention needs to be paid to strengthening doctoral students’ DC in terms of research skills and competencies, as well as enhancing operational capabilities to improve students’ research capabilities.

Originality/value
Drawing on strategic management approaches and socialisation theory, this study is assumed to be the first that considers doctoral students’ research productivity in the context of DC.
Marketing in emerging markets: a review, theoretical synthesis and extension
Authors: Paul Justin 
Published: September 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of theoretical models and studies dealing with the international marketing strategies in emerging markets and provides recommendations for future research based on the review.Design/methodology/approachA review of literature on the topic was conducted and a new model is developed as a theoretical extension on the basis of insights from prior research.FindingsOrganizations need to take into account several characteristics of consumers and markets in advance as part of their business plan to select appropriate emerging markets, and decide best possible entry modes.Originality/valueTo the best of authors’ knowledge, there is no comprehensive review article on this subject, which provides directions for future research. The authors fill this gap in the literature and suggest strategies with regard to market selection, entry modes, market adaptation, customer relationship development with a new four-dimensional model.
Drivers of sustainability reporting quality: financial institution perspective
Authors: Chang Weng Foong , Amran Azlan , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Foroughi Behzad 
Published: September 2019

PurposeThis study aims to explain how institutional, cultural and corporate factors affect the sustainability reporting quality (SRQ) of financial institutions and to test the moderating effect of equator principles (EP).Design/methodology/approachThe annual reports of 100 financial institutions were examined for the year 2016 using content analysis. The multiple regression technique was used to test the proposed relationships.FindingsThe results show that the quality of sustainability reports is higher among financial institutions in developed countries. Furthermore, institutions that practice Islamic values and those that integrate corporate social responsibility values into their mission and vision have higher levels of SRQ. Privately owned institutions also have higher quality of sustainability reporting in comparison to government-owned ones. Adopting the EP has a greater effect on the SRQ of non-Islamic financial institutions in comparison to Islamic ones.Practical implicationsThe results of the study will be useful in enabling managers of financial institutions to become knowledgeable about the factors that lead to higher SRQ. The findings also have implications for policymakers’ development of sustainability reporting regulations and for the development of effective enforcement of regulations.Originality/valueThese outcomes contribute to the literature on SRQ exploring the importance of institutional, cultural and corporate factors on the extent of SRQ and testing the moderating effect of EP.
Lean manufacturing practices and performance: the role of social and technical factors
Authors: Sahoo Saumyaranjan 
Published: September 2019

PurposeModern manufacturing systems require tools and techniques that take cognizance of the social (concerning people and relations) as well as the technical environment. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the social and technical aspects of lean manufacturing practices and their effects on business performance outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe hypothesized relationships for this study are tested with data collected from 148 Indian manufacturing firms by using SPSS and AMOS statistical software.FindingsThe analysis of the study was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) technique, which indicated that both “soft” and “hard” lean practices are positively related to business performance parameters. The findings also demonstrated that “hard” lean practices fully mediate the relationship between “soft” lean practices and business performance parameters.Research limitations/implicationsThere are some limitations of this study. Although a cross-sectional survey has been applied, the research does not permit us to account for the lag between implementation and performance. It also brings the opinion of a limited number of Indian experts about lean manufacturing systems; hence, the sample size could be increased and the nationality of the respondent could be expanded for future research.Practical implicationsThe paper would be of interest to Lean practitioners, and the results of this study can be used in organizations to put a focus on social-cultural changes while applying lean technical tools when it comes to practices as well as importance.Originality/valueThis paper extends theoretical contribution in production and operations management literature, highlighting how social and technical practices have to interact to enable a successful lean manufacturing implementation.
A closed-form equation for steady-state availability of cold standby repairable k-out-of-n
Authors: Yaghoubi Afshin , Niaki Seyed Taghi Akhavan , Rostamzadeh Hadi 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to derive a closed-form expression for the steady-state availability of a cold standby repairable k-out-of-n system. This makes the availability calculation much easier and accurate.

Design/methodology/approach
Assuming exponential distributions for system failure and repair, the Markov method is employed to derive the formula.

Findings
The proposed formula establishes an easier and faster venue and provides accurate steady-state availability.

Research limitations/implications
The formula is valid for the case when the probability density function of the component failure and the repair is exponential.

Originality/value
The Markov method has never been used in the literature to derive the steady-state availability of a cold standby repairable k-out-of-n: G system.