bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Standardized microgel beads as elastic cell mechanical probes
Authors: Girardo S. , Träber N. , Wagner K. , Cojoc G. , Herold C. , Goswami R. , Schlüßler R. , Abuhattum S. , Taubenberger A. , Reichel F. , Mokbel D. , Herbig M. , Schürmann M. , Müller P. , Heida T. , Jacobi A. , Thiele J. , Werner C. , Guck J. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTCell mechanical measurements are gaining increasing interest in biological and biomedical studies. However, there are no standardized calibration particles available that permit the cross-comparison of different measurement techniques operating at different stresses and time-scales. Here we present the rational design, production, and comprehensive characterization of poly-acylamide (PAAm) microgel beads mimicking biological cells. We produced mono-disperse beads at rates of 20 – 60 kHz by means of a microfluidic droplet generator, where the pre-gel composition was adjusted to tune the beads’ elasticity in the range of cell and tissue relevant mechanical properties. We verified bead homogeneity by optical diffraction tomography and Brillouin microscopy. Consistent elastic behavior of microgel beads at different shear rates was confirmed by AFM-enabled nanoindentation and real-time deformability cytometry (RT-DC). The remaining inherent variability in elastic modulus was rationalized using polymer theory and effectively reduced by sorting based on forward-scattering using conventional flow cytometry. Our results show that PAAm microgel beads can be standardized as mechanical probes, to serve not only for validation and calibration of cell mechanical measurements, but also as cell-scale stress sensors.Significance StatementOften vastly different cell mechanical properties are reported even for the same cell type when employing different measurement techniques. This discrepancy shows the urgent need for standardized calibration particles to cross-compare and validate techniques. Microgel beads can serve this purpose, but they have to fulfil specific requirements such as homogeneity, sizes and elasticities in the range of the cells, and they have to provide comparable results independent of the method applied. Here we demonstrate the standardized production of polyacrylamide microgel beads with all the features an elastic cell-mimic should have. These can not only be used as method calibration particles, but can also serve as cell-scale sensors to quantify normal and shear stresses exerted by other cells and inside tissues, enabling many new applications.
How to control for confounds in decoding analyses of neuroimaging data
Authors: Snoek Lukas , Miletić Steven , Scholte H. Steven 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTOver the past decade, multivariate pattern analyses and especially decoding analyses have become a popular alternative to traditional mass-univariate analyses in neuroimaging research. However, a fundamental limitation of decoding analyses is that the source of information driving the decoder is ambiguous, which becomes problematic when the to-be-decoded variable is confounded by variables that are not of primary interest. In this study, we use a comprehensive set of simulations and analyses of empirical data to evaluate two techniques that were previously proposed and used to control for confounding variables in decoding analyses: counterbalancing and confound regression. For our empirical analyses, we attempt to decode gender from structural MRI data when controlling for the confound ‘brain size’. We show that both methods introduce strong biases in decoding performance: counterbalancing leads to better performance than expected (i.e., positive bias), which we show in our simulations is due to the subsampling process that tends to remove samples that are hard to classify; confound regression, on the other hand, leads to worse performance than expected (i.e., negative bias), even resulting in significant below-chance performance in some scenarios. In our simulations, we show that below-chance accuracy can be predicted by the variance of the distribution of correlations between the features and the target. Importantly, we show that this negative bias disappears in both the empirical analyses and simulations when the confound regression procedure performed in every fold of the cross-validation routine, yielding plausible model performance. From these results, we conclude that foldwise confound regression is the only method that appropriately controls for confounds, which thus can be used to gain more insight into the exact source(s) of information driving one’s decoding analysis.HIGHLIGHTSThe interpretation of decoding models is ambiguous when dealing with confounds;We evaluate two methods, counterbalancing and confound regression, in their ability to control for confounds;We find that counterbalancing leads to positive bias because it removes hard-to-classify samples;We find that confound regression leads to negative bias, because it yields data with less signal than expected by chance;Our simulations demonstrate a tight relationship between model performance in decoding analyses and the sample distribution of the correlation coefficient;We show that the negative bias observed in confound regression can be remedied by cross-validating the confound regression procedure;
Crystallization of the rice immune receptor RGA5A_S with the rice blast fungus effector AVR1-CO39 preparedviamixture and tandem strategies
Authors: Guo Liwei , Zhang Yikun , Ma Mengqi , Liu Qiang , Zhang Yanan , Peng Youliang , Liu Junfeng 
Published: March 2018

RGA5 is a component of the Pia resistance-protein pair (RGA4/RGA5) fromOryza sativaL.japonica. It acts as an immune receptor that directly recognizes the effector AVR1-CO39 fromMagnaporthe oryzae viaa C-terminal non-LRR domain (RGA5A_S). The interaction between RGA5A_S and AVR1-CO39 relieves the repression of RGA4, leading to effector-independent cell death. To determine the structure of the complex of RGA5A_S and AVR1-CO39 and to understand the details of this interaction, the complex was prepared by fusing the proteins together, by mixing themin vitroor by co-expressing them in one host cell. Samples purifiedviathe first two strategies were crystallized under two different conditions. A mixture of AVR1-CO39 and RGA5A_S (complex I) crystallized in 1.1 Mammonium tartrate dibasic, 0.1 Msodium acetate–HCl pH 4.6, while crystals of the fusion complex RGA5A_S-TEV-AVR1-CO39 (complex II) were grown in 2 MNaCl. The crystal of complex I belonged to space groupP3121, with unit-cell parametersa = b= 66.2,c= 108.8 Å, α = β = 90, γ = 120°. The crystals diffracted to a Bragg spacing of 2.4 Å, and one molecule each of RGA5A_S and AVR1-CO39 were present in the asymmetric unit of the initial model. The crystal of complex II belonged to space groupI4, with unit-cell parametersa=b= 137.4,c= 66.2 Å, α = β = γ = 90°. The crystals diffracted to a Bragg spacing of 2.72 Å, and there were two molecules of RGA5A_S and two molecules of AVR1-CO39 in the asymmetric unit of the initial model. Further structural characterization of the interaction between RGA5A_S and AVR1-CO39 will lead to a better understanding of the mechanism underlying effector recognition by R proteins.
Sustainability in the Pakistani hotel industry: an empirical study
Authors: Sajjad Aymen , Jillani Aleena , Raziq Muhammad Mustafa 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to look at the sustainability practices adopted by the Pakistani hotel industry. Sustainability is a relatively under-researched notion from the perspective of the developing world, and in particular, the research lacks evidence from the Pakistani hotel industry.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors follow an exploratory multiple case study design to study the sustainability practices adopted by the Pakistani hotel industry. Semi-structured interviews are conducted with the senior hotel managers.

Findings
The results suggest that sustainability is only partially integrated into the business strategy for most of the sample hotels, and a systematic approach to sustainability is currently lacking. Overall, the central focus of the hotels is on developing commercial performance, whereas some fragmented social and environmental sustainability initiatives are implemented on an ad hoc basis.

Practical implications
This study identifies some practical issues and challenges in relation to sustainability implementation in the Pakistani context. It is suggested that the government, community organizations and the private sector firms need to actively collaborate to promote the sustainability agenda.

Originality/value
This paper extends the extant literature by exploring sustainability implementation in the Pakistani hotel industry. While there is limited sustainability research in the context of the developing world, this study contributes by bridging this gap in the present literature.
Follow the founder: case study of action learning experiment in an MBA program
Authors: Pandey Satyendra C. , Pattnaik Pinaki Nandan , M. Praveen 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
This paper describes the action learning experiment by the name Follow a Founder of a leading university in India. The purpose of the paper is to reflect on the key takeaways that can be drawn from such an action learning experiment.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on a case study, authors’ experience of leading and conceptualizing the program coupled with interviews of multiple stakeholders, which formed the sources of data.

Findings
The paper suggests the possibility of implementing such a program at other business schools and universities, provided there is a clear mapping of tasks and objectives and learners are given exposure to real time workplace scenarios.

Originality/value
The paper describes a one of its kind experiment at an Indian university when it comes to applying action learning in a taught program.
Google search abuses dominant position to illegally favour Google Shopping: an economic review of the EU decision
Authors: Blanckenburg Korbinian von 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThis paper is concerned with the current decision of the European Commission regarding Google’s comparison shopping service (Google Shopping). In 2017, the Commission has fined Google €2.42 billion for abusing its dominant position as a search engine by giving illegal advantage to Google Shopping. Consequently, Google has to stop its illegal conduct. In particular, the decision requires Google to treat rival comparison shopping services and its own service equally. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the decision from a perspective of two-sided markets. Google Shopping is an integrated service of Google Search and acts as an intermediary between companies, offerings products in the internet and people searching for products in the internet. This complies with the typical conditions of a two-sided market. From the perspective of sellers of goods and services in Europe, Google may be seen as a gatekeeper to the potential customers and thus as an essential facility. In the light of the current decision, this paper provides a possible regulation alternative. It is shown that Google Shopping represents a typical club good, so that welfare-optimising rules must be adhered to. In this context, it should be noted that in the current Google Shopping search results, artificial rivalry is created among sellers so as to ensure maximum willingness to pay for a top listing. The solution proposed in this paper entails a summary score list of all sellers of a particular product, for which a turnover-dependent contribution should be required, instead of a reduced score list, where positions are sold by auctions.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses methods of two-sided markets and public good theory.FindingsIt is shown that Google Shopping represents a typical club good, so that welfare-optimising rules must be adhered to. In this context, it should be noted that in the current Google Shopping search results, artificial rivalry is created among sellers so as to ensure maximum willingness to pay for a top listing. The solution proposed in this paper entails a summary score list of all sellers of a particular product, for which a turnover-dependent contribution should be required, instead of a reduced score list, where positions are sold by auctions.Originality/valueTo the best of the author’s knowledge, it is the very first paper about the decision of the European Union (06/2017) concerning Google Shopping.
Bribery and corruption in telecommunications – the case of Nigeria
Authors: Sutherland Ewan 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to examine issues of bribery, cronyism and nepotism in one of the most corrupt countries in Africa.Design/methodology/approachThis is a single-country case study, drawing on material dating from the mid-1970s, including court cases.FindingsThe corruption is pervasive and systemic, showing severe problems with governance in general, in the sector and against corruption. Nonetheless, two operators, one South African and one Nigerian, have delivered extensive access to mobile networks.Practical implicationsThe system of governance requires significant structural reforms, if the burden of corruption is to be reduced.Originality/valueThis paper sheds new and explicit light on the complex history of telecommunications in Nigeria. It adds to the small base of material on corruption in the telecommunications sector. It identifies issues that could usefully be taken up by institutions in Nigeria.
High-speed data provision by mobile networks in the Asia-Pacific region
Authors: Curwen Peter , Whalley Jason 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine in a fully up-to-date manner the position in respect to the licensing and launch of long-term evolution (LTE) in a region that attracts relatively little attention when treated as a whole because the emphasis is usually upon the very large individual markets (China, India and Japan) contained within it. The purpose is also to examine the role of international groups and the extent to which the licensing of LTE can make a difference to the structure of mobile markets in the region.

Design/methodology/approach
The initial step was to compile extensive databases with respect to the licensing and launch of high-speed networks in the region – defined both narrowly and also to encompass countries that are often treated as part of the Middle East – arranged so as to emphasise the status of dominant incumbents. There is a discussion of new entry and its potential to disrupt incumbents.

Findings
For historical reasons, the region contains countries that have strong differences whether defined in terms of economic, social or cultural characteristics, and hence it has not been easy for a network with international aspirations to expand outside its home market nor for, say, European-based operators to gain a foothold. Attempts to introduce competition via new licences has also been problematic because of the strong, and sometimes very large, incumbents already present.

Research limitations/implications
This is necessarily an overview that uses selected data to describe the overall picture because of the substantial number of quite different markets surveyed.

Practical implications
It is possible to forecast how certain structural changes will occur – primarily the withdrawal of international groups such as Millicom that prefer to concentrate upon other regions.

Originality/value
The databases that underpin the analysis are author-compiled and entirely original.
Determinants of risk reporting by Portuguese and Spanish non-finance companies
Authors: Oliveira Jonas , Serrasqueiro Rogério , Mota Sara Nunes 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the risk reporting practices extent to which firm’s and corporate governance characteristics explain risk-related disclosures (RRD) motivations across two European Latin countries (Portugal and Spain). Moreover, drawn on elements of agency, legitimacy, resources-based perspectives and institutional theory, this study also intends to assess whether the influence of corporate governance mechanisms on risk reporting is mediated by strategic/institutional legitimacy interests.Design/methodology/approachFrom a sample of 60 non-finance Portuguese and Spanish companies with securities traded on the Euronext Lisbon stock exchange market and on the Madrid stock exchange market, respectively, at December, 2011, the Corporate Governance reports and the “risk/risk management” sections of the Management reports included on consolidated annual reports for 2011 were manually content analysed, according to prior literature. Further, multiple linear regressions were used to assess the potential relationships between corporate governance mechanisms and risk reporting. The paper’s theoretical framework draws on elements of agency, legitimacy, resources-based perspectives and institutional theory. To understand the risk reporting practices of Portuguese and Spanish non-finance listed companies, the paper conducts a content analysis of 60 consolidated annual reports for 2011.FindingsResults indicate that visible companies, operating in a country with a weaker legal environment, and during periods of financial distress disclose more discretionary RRD, basically to contextualize their negative outcomes. Some corporate governance mechanisms were crucial to improve risk information.Originality/valueThe paper goes beyond prior literature work and assesses whether the theoretical framework grounded on agency, legitimacy, resources-based perspective and institutional theory is suitable in explaining RRD in an under-researched setting (European Latin countries, such as Portugal and Spain, with low agency costs and different corporate governance models). Moreover, the analysis embraces a wider and homogeneous range of internal and external corporate governance mechanisms and uses a period in which both countries were severely affected by a sovereign debt crisis with negative impacts on company’s liquidity and financial risks. A research setting like this has not been studied hitherto.
Network characteristics matter in politics on Facebook: evidence from a US national survey
Authors: Lu Yanqin , Lee Jae Kook , Kim Eunyi 
Published: March 2018

PurposeFacebook has been identified as a primary source of political information by a majority (63 percent) of its users. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between Facebook use and political participation, and investigate the mediating effects of the characteristics of one’s Facebook network (i.e. network size, proportion of strong ties, and discussion network heterogeneity).Design/methodology/approachThis study relies on a representative survey of American adults (n=1,032) conducted during the 2012 primary election campaigns from May 3 to May 10. The sample was randomly selected from a representative online panel maintained by a professional research organization. Given this study’s focus on the influence of Facebook use and network characteristics, an online panel is suitable for testing the hypotheses.FindingsThe results show positive associations between Facebook use and both off- and online political participation. Further, the positive association between Facebook use and political participation is mediated by discussion network heterogeneity and the proportion of strong ties in one’s Facebook network, but not the network size.Originality/valueThis study sheds light on the roles played by network characteristics of Facebook. The composition of a user’s Facebook network is closely related with what kind of information she encounters and how likely she is to participate in politics. Hence, network characteristics (e.g. Facebook discussion network heterogeneity) arise as important for gaining a nuanced understanding of the relationship between general use of the medium and its political outcomes.
Online investigation of users’ attitudes using automatic question answering
Authors: Zhang Chengzhi , Zhou Qingqing 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
With the development of the internet, huge numbers of reviews are generated, disseminated, and shared on e-commerce and social media websites by internet users. These reviews usually indicate users’ opinions about products or services directly, and are thus valuable for efficient marketing. The purpose of this paper is to mine online users’ attitudes from a huge pool of reviews via automatic question answering.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors make use of online reviews to complete an online investigation via automatic question answering (AQA). In the process of AQA, question generation and extraction of corresponding answers are conducted via sentiment computing. In order to verify the performance of AQA for online investigation, online reviews from a well-known travel website, namely Tuniu.com, are used as the experimental data set. Finally, the experimental results from AQA vs a traditional questionnaire are compared.

Findings
The experimental results show that results between the AQA-based automatic questionnaire and the traditional questionnaire are consistent. Hence, the AQA method is reliable in identifying users’ attitudes. Although this paper takes Chinese tourism reviews as the experimental data, the method is domain and language independent.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to use the AQA method to mine users’ attitudes towards tourism services. Using online reviews may overcome problems with using traditional questionnaires, such as high costs and long cycle for questionnaire design and answering.