bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unique PKD like protein kinase inEntamoeba histolyticaregulates vital actin mediated processes
Authors: Baidya Mithu , Nayak Santoshi , Das Amit K. , Ghosh Sudip Kumar 
Published: June 2019

AbstractEntamoeba histolyticacauses widespread amoebiasis in humans. Multiple lines of emerging evidence have identified a repertoire of proteins involved in the process of erythrophagocytosis. However, the early initiation of the erythrophagosome at the site of erythrocyte’s attachment is not well understood. Here in our study we have identified and characterized a small Protein kinase D like protein (EhPKDL) inEh, which nucleates actin polymerization and thus mediates many vital processes inEhincluding erythrophagocytosis. Following multiple biochemical and biophysical approaches, we have characterized EhPKDL and have shown that EhPKDL can indeed interact and prime the nucleation of monomeric actin for polymerization. Furthermore, we went on to demonstrate the vitality of the EhPKDL in major actin-mediated processes like capping, motility, and erythrophagocytosis following knockdown of EhPKDL in the cellular context. Our study thus provides novel insights into the early actin nucleation inEhand thus bridges the gap with our previous understanding of the assembly of erythrophagosomes.
Restricted and non-essential redundancy of RNAi and piRNA pathways in mouse oocytes
Authors: Taborska Eliska , Pasulka Josef , Malik Radek , Horvat Filip , Jenickova Irena , Jelić Matošević Zoe , Svoboda Petr 
Published: June 2019

AbstractGermline genome defense evolves to recognize and suppress retrotransposons. One of defensive mechanisms is the PIWI-associated RNA (piRNA) pathway, which employs small RNAs for sequence-specific post-transcriptional and transcriptional repression. The loss of the piRNA pathway in mice causes male sterility while females remain fertile. Unlike spermatogenic cells, mouse oocytes have also RNA interference (RNAi), another small RNA pathway capable of retrotransposon suppression. To examine whether RNAi compensates the loss of the piRNA pathway in mouse oocytes, we produced a new RNAi pathway mutantDicerSOMand crossed it with a catalytically-dead mutant ofMili, an essential piRNA gene. Normal follicular and oocyte in double mutants showed that RNAi does not suppress a strong piRNA knock-out phenotype. However, we observed redundant and non-redundant targeting of specific retrotransposons. Intracisternal A Particle retrotransposon was mainly targeted by the piRNA pathway, MT and RLTR10 retrotransposons were targeted mainly by RNAi. Importantly, only double mutants showed increased background levels of transcripts potentially originating from intact LINE-1 elements. Our results thus show that while both small RNA pathways are simultaneously expendable defense pathways for ovarian oocyte development, yet another transcriptional silencing mechanism must mediate LINE-1 repression in female germ cells.Author summaryRetrotransposons are mobile genomic parasites causing mutations. Germ cells need protection against retrotransposons to prevent heritable transmission of their new insertions. The piRNA pathway is an ancient germline defense system analogous to acquired immunity: once a retrotransposons jumps into a specific “genomic checkpoint”, it is recognized and suppressed. Remarkably, the murine piRNA pathway is essential for spermatogenesis but not oocyte development. In contrast, zebrafish lacking the piRNA pathway do not develop any germ cells. It was hypothesized that RNA interference pathway could rescue oocyte development in mice lacking the piRNA pathway. RNA interference also targets retrotransposons and is particularly enhanced in mouse oocytes. To test this hypothesis, we engineered mice lacking both pathways and observed that oocytes in these mice develop normally, which argues against the hypothesis. Furthermore, analysis of individual retrotransposon groups revealed that in specific cases the two pathways can mutually compensate each other. However, this ability is restricted to specific retrotransposon groups and seems to evolve stochastically. Finally, our results also indicate that there must be yet another layer of retrotransposon silencing in mouse oocytes, which prevents high retrotransposon activity in the absence of piRNA and RNA interference pathways.
Consumer Fad Dynamic: the consumer behavior and the Gin case
Authors: Quental de Almeida Rui Miguel , Meneses Raquel 
Published: June 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to characterize the consumption of an international consumer product fad.Design/methodology/approachA literature review of the concepts that can be related to an international fad was conducted, which included the study of the product life cycle, CAGE distances, the herd behavior, the consumer behavior in social media, the conformism and perceived newness. To know more about the subject, the Gin case was studied. The quantitative study began to define an initial model with the variables that can have impact on the consumption of the Gin. Based on the initial model, a survey was built and conducted, obtaining 143 valid responses. The data were analyzed on the basis of the structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results verified the positive impact of need for group differentiation on the consumption Gin. The perceived newness had a direct impact on its consumption. An international fad lasts while it is differentiator for the consumer, so the herd behavior influence was not validated.Research limitations/implicationsThis study had a limitation in terms of responses. This study was made using a practical case of beverage, so its applicability to other types of products is limited.Originality/valueThis study is about consumer fads. It characterizes the key concepts in various moments of a fad: the implementation, the evolution of its consumption and its end. The study identifies the variables that have a positive impact on the consumption of a real fad. Data from sales geography diffusion in time are also analyzed.
Enhancing supply chain resilience: an empirical investigation
Authors: Naghshineh Bardia , Lotfi Maryam 
Published: June 2019

PurposeSupply chain resilience (SCR) has recently become an important issue for organizations all around the world. In order to decrease the risk of failures, managers and decision makers are constantly looking for practices to enhance SCR. The purpose of this paper is to propose a research model that mainly focuses on the effect of information sharing (IS) to enhance SCR.Design/methodology/approachSurvey method is used in this research. Data were collected from the supply chain, procurement, executive and IT managers of 82 of Tehran’s stock exchange production companies. Structural equation modeling with SmartPLS3 software is used to analyze the collected data.FindingsResearch results show that IS significantly enhances SCR.Research limitations/implicationsData were collected at one point in time, and therefore a longitudinal study can further investigate the results of this study. The research was carried out in production companies in Iran. Future research can examine the research model in other industry sectors, e.g. services, in other countries to validate the accuracy of the findings.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research should help managers, and decision makers create more resilient supply chains for their own and partners’ organizations.Originality/valueThe research model provides insightful results regarding the significance of IS in the SCR context.
Numerical modelling of granular column collapse using coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian technique with critical state soil model
Authors: Wu Ze-Xiang , Ji Hui , Han Jian , Yu Chuang 
Published: June 2019

Purpose
Current modellings of granular collapse are lack of considering the effect of soil density. This paper aims to present a numerical method to analyse the collapse of granular column based on the critical-state soil mechanics.

Design/methodology/approach
In the proposed method, a simple critical-state based constitutive model is first adopted and implemented into a finite element code using the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian technique for large deformation analysis. Simulations of column collapse with various aspect ratios are then conducted for a given initial soil density. The effect of aspect ratio on the final size of deposit morphology, dynamical collapse profiles and the stable region is discussed comparing to experimental results. Moreover, complementary simulations with various initial soil densities on each aspect ratio are conducted.

Findings
Simulations show that a lower value of initial density leads to a lower final deposit height and a longer run-out distance. The simulated evolutions of kinetic energy and collapsing profile with time by the proposed numerical approach also show clearly a soil density-dependent collapse process.

Practical implications
To the end, this study can improve the understanding of column collapse in different aspect ratios and soil densities, and provide a computational tool for the analysis of real scale granular flow.

Originality/value
The originality of this paper is proposed in a numerical approach to model granular column collapse considering the influences of aspect ratio and initial void ratio. The proposed approach is based on the finite element platform with coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian technique for large deformation analysis and implementing the critical-state based model accounting for the effect of soil density.
Research on a novel fractional GM(α, n) model and its applications
Authors: Wu Wenqing , Ma Xin , Wang Yong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zeng Bo 
Published: June 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel multivariate fractional grey model termed GM(a, n) based on the classical GM(1, n) model. The new model can provide accurate prediction with more freedom, and enrich the content of grey theory.

Design/methodology/approach
The GM(α, n) model is systematically studied by using the grey modelling technique and the forward difference method. The optimal fractional order a is computed by the genetic algorithm. Meanwhile, a stochastic testing scheme is presented to verify the accuracy of the new GM(a, n) model.

Findings
The recursive expressions of the time response function and the restored values of the presented model are deduced. The GM(1, n), GM(a, 1) and GM(1, 1) models are special cases of the model. Computational results illustrate that the GM(a, n) model provides accurate prediction.

Research limitations/implications
The GM(a, n) model is used to predict China’s total energy consumption with the raw data from 2006 to 2016. The superiority of the GM(a, n) model is more freedom and better modelling by fractional derivative, which implies its high potential to be used in energy field.

Originality/value
It is the first time to investigate the multivariate fractional grey GM(α, n) model, apply it to study the effects of China’s economic growth and urbanization on energy consumption.
Role of breakfast in hotel selection: systematic review
Authors: Leite-Pereira Fernanda , Brandao Filipa , Costa Rui 
Published: June 2019

Purpose
Diverse factors may influence travelers when choosing a hotel. Even though breakfast is often commented on in hotel and booking sites, its relative role in hotel selection is rarely studied. This paper aims to determine which attributes clients consider essential regarding the option towards a hotel and their hierarchy namely of breakfast.

Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review was performed in Scopus, ISI-Web of Science and Google Scholar, including relevant original manuscripts published in all languages between 1998 and 2018.

Findings
Out of 337 initial references, 25 manuscripts were included. Features related to facilities and services were considered in most manuscripts with 21 and 20 citations, respectively, as being the more relevant factors in hotel selection. Room and accommodation were ranked first as the most important characteristic regarding the option for a hotel, whereas breakfast was only referred to in two articles, published in 2015 and 2017, rated in the tenth and fourth positions, respectively.

Research limitations/implications
Breakfast seems to be addressed in recent published manuscripts, what may reflect a trend toward its evaluation in travelling experiences. More studies should address the relevance of breakfast and food to (diverse type of) costumers, and managers should also consider these factors when advertising their hotels.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic approach to this question, emphasizing the apparent contradiction of breakfast being often cited in booking sites and not adequately studied in tourism research.
The effect of information and communication technology on economic output
Authors: Makun Keshmeer , Devi Swastika 
Published: June 2019

Purpose
Information and communication technology (ICT) appears to play an indispensable task in influencing and directing the growth process of several developing countries. The spread of ICT in the South Pacific region including Fiji has facilitated faster and smother business in different sectors of the economy such as banking, education, transport and tourism. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to empirical literature and explore the effect of ICT on economic output, both in the short run and long run in the Fiji Islands.

Design/methodology/approach
The economic analysis was conducted using data from 1990 to 2016, improved framework of Solow (1956) and the autoregressive distributed-lag bounds approach to cointegration. Findings from the study and economic standpoint, the ICT is indeed important. The analysis shows an indication of long-run cointegration relationship among the variables for the two indicators of ICT. From the analysis, it is also observed that the two ICT indicators have a statistically significant and positive effect on output with coefficient ranging from 0.04 to 0.06.

Research limitations/implications
These results extend the ICT literature by providing support for it in case of a small developing island economy. The study highlights that while the two proxies of ICT are important for long term output growth, besides broad money and capital stock, the principal technology contributor is a mobile cellular subscription in Fiji Islands.

Practical implications
The policymakers need to work diligently to not only enhance ICT related infrastructure but also focus on better services and communication in different sectors of the economy. The efficient use of present technologies such as 3-G and 4-G is crucial and must be connected and made available to other smaller islands of Fiji.

Originality/value
The recent study has focused on the contribution of ICT on small island developing country, relative to large developing or developed countries. Furthermore, the author examined the contribution of two indicators of ICT using Solow (1956) augmented framework.
Exploring scenario development – a case study of two collaborative research projects
Authors: Fossum Knut R. , Aarseth Wenche , Andersen Bjorn 
Published: June 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore scenario development (SD) as a method for engaging known challenges in collaborative research projects, i.e. SD is the construct under investigation.

Design/methodology/approach
Criticism of the dominant, rational approach to project management (PM) and its underlying hypotheses highlights a considerable PM research gap for research projects (research problem). The authors undertake a six-step constructive research approach to investigate if SD (the construct) constitutes a fruitful method to support the management of collaborative research projects. A two-part literature review summarizes known challenges in collaborative research projects and introduces the history and application of SD methodology. The work includes participatory action research (PAR) in two case studies, constituting a qualitative research method.

Findings
The authors found the SD method to be useful for structuring and analyzing intuitive project processes. However, using SD in the management of single projects presents some fundamental challenges. SD, like PM, struggles with issues related to myopic decisions, a “predict and provide” attitude with clear aspects of path dependency in the project front-end as well as inconsistent and/or missing identification of success criteria among different stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications
This paper does not provide any comprehensive, normative account of scenario techniques or compare SD with other foresight and future studies methods. Although PAR is in itself a research method that demands systematic description and execution, the focus of this paper is the overall constructive research approach.

Practical implications
The paper offers a broadened repertoire of methods to describe and analyse project stakeholder situations (collaborative aspects) and to structure and balance the need for both rational and intuitive project processes (research aspects). The SD method also supports development of graphical storylines and facilitates the use of influence diagrams, event trees and cost/benefit analysis.

Originality/value
Although PM literature contains several references to SD, the practical application of SD at single-project level has, to the authors’ knowledge, never been described in the PM literature.
Interactions between building information modelling and off-site manufacturing for productivity improvement
Authors: Ghasemi Poor Sabet Pejman , Chong Heap-Yih 
Published: June 2019

PurposeNew methods have been introduced as revolutionary approaches in the construction industry, such as off-site manufacturing (OSM) and building information modelling (BIM). Although these approaches can provide many benefits, there are still barriers to meeting the expectations of improved construction productivity via their implementation. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to critically review the capabilities of OSM and BIM techniques, as well as their potential interactions, in productivity improvement.Design/methodology/approachA scoping review approach was adopted, where 100 peer-reviewed journal articles were collected to analyse the capabilities of OSM and BIM, as well as their potential interactions, in productivity improvement as assessed by key productivity indicators (KPrIs).FindingsThe results reveal seven BIM-based capabilities and six OSM-based capabilities, as well as 12 potential OSM–BIM interactions that have significant potential for satisfying KPrIs.Originality/valueAn integrated framework has also been developed to clarify and conceptualise the roles of OSM–BIM interactions in their designated KPrIs. The research has developed insightful and practical references for strategic planning and management in OSM–BIM-based projects.
Comparison of project portfolio management practices in the public and private sectors in Brazil
Authors: Maceta Paulo Rafael Minetto , Berssaneti Fernando Tobal 
Published: June 2019

Purpose
Project portfolio management (PPM) is a managerial technique used to seek the strategic goals of organizations improving their performance. The public sector has some characteristics that differ from the private sector, since their management approaches are different. The purpose of this paper is to compare the PPM’s practices and techniques in the public and private sectors.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses the study case methodology through eight case studies that were undertaken in Brazil: four in public and four in private sectors. The field research used semi-structured interviews that were analyzed using the NVivo software.

Findings
In both sectors, strategic alignment is the goal of PPM, and the same tools are employed. The public sector displays better process documentation and lower risk awareness than the private sector, showing an improvement point for the public sector. The selection and prioritization criteria differ from each sector, showing the difference in the strategic goals of public and private sectors.

Research limitations/implications
The limitations of this paper are related to the number of organizations studied; however, the case studies represent organizations from different sectors and industries maximizing heterogeneity, but focusing on Brazil.

Social implications
The prioritization and effective allocation of projects spending in the Brazilian public sector could be improved with the comparison of their current practices with the ones used in private sector, increasing its transparency and cost allocation.

Originality/value
This study broadens the understanding of PPM in the public sector, which is a gap in the academic literature, comparing its practices with those used in the private sector.
Simulation of the thermomechanical behavior of graphene/PMMA nanocomposites via continuum mechanics
Authors: Tsiamaki Androniki , Anifantis Nicolaos 
Published: June 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to simulate and investigate the thermomechanical properties of graphene-reinforced nanocomposites.

Design/methodology/approach
The analysis proposed consists of two stages. In the first stage, the temperature-dependent mechanical properties of graphene are estimated while in the second stage, using the previously derived properties, the temperature-dependent properties of graphene-reinforced PMMA nanocomposites are investigated. In the first stage of the analysis, graphene is modeled discretely using molecular mechanics theory where the interatomic interactions are simulated by spring elements of temperature-dependent stiffness. The graphene sheets are composed of either one or more (up to five) monolayer graphene sheets connected via van der Waals interactions. However, in the second analysis stage, graphene is modeled equivalently as continuum medium and is positioned between two layers of PMMA. Also, the interphase between two materials is modeled as a medium with mechanical properties defined and bounded by the two materials.

Findings
The mechanical properties including Young’s modulus, shear modulus and Poisson’s ratio due to temperature changes are estimated. The numerical results show that the temperature rise and the multiplicity of graphene layers considered lead to a decrease of the mechanical properties.

Originality/value
The present analysis proposes an easy and accurate method for the estimation of the temperature-dependent mechanical properties of graphene-reinforced nanocomposites.